UConn Issues Statement On Women's Rowing, Title IX Litigation

Press release from UConn:

July 13, 2021

The following statement from the University of Connecticut addresses the status of litigation involving the UConn Women’s Rowing program and related Title IX issues:

STORRS -- After much deliberation and discussion, the Board of Trustees and university leadership made the very difficult decision last year to eliminate four of our athletics programs as part of a more expansive plan aimed at securing the long-term fiscal sustainability of the athletics division, and the university as a whole. Three men’s teams and one women’s team (rowing) were eliminated following a comprehensive review of the athletics department, including its Title IX obligations. A major factor in the decision to eliminate the rowing team was that their facilities, which are not owned by UConn, are in need of potentially significant and costly upgrades.

We continue, as we must, to assess our compliance with Title IX and we have determined that additional participation opportunities for female student athletes are necessary at this time. Accordingly, we have agreed to reinstate the women’s rowing team for two years and to stay the pending litigation initiated by members of the rowing team. During this time, we will conduct a more detailed assessment of the costs associated with possible program upgrades and work to secure the potential long-term reinstatement of the rowing program.

We appreciate the impact the decision last year to eliminate athletics programs had on affected student athletes, including members of the rowing team. UConn takes pride in being a destination school for female athletes and as we continually review our responsibilities under Title IX, we will work to support the rowing team in its upcoming seasons, including, among other steps, by identifying immediate facilities improvements that would be achievable in the near term.

This press release was produced by UConn. The views expressed here are the author's own.