Federal Court Rules Against Quinnipiac

Quinnipiac University has lost its appeal of a federal injunction, ruling that the university failed to provide equal opportunities for female student athletes as it does males.

The university argued that the court failed to take into account 11 track and field team positions filled by injured students and 30 members of the school's cheer leading squad.

"We identify no merit in these arguments and we affirm the challenged injunction substantially for the reasons stated by the district court in its comprehensive and well reasoned opinion," the decision states.

"The University naturally is disappointed that the court did not rule as it had hoped," said Lynn Bushnell, vice president for public affairs. "Quinnipiac will continue to enhance opportunities for our female student-athletes, which include volleyball, acrobatics and tumbling, basketball, cross country, field hockey, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, softball, tennis and indoor and outdoor track and field."

The suit originated in 2009 after Quinnipiac eliminated women's volleyball and implemented competitive cheerleading. The volleyball coach and five team members filed suit, claiming Title IX violations. In June 2010 the court found in their favor.