The University of Connecticut said it will reinstate its women’s rowing program for two years. This change comes after UConn was sued over compliance with Title IX.
The Board of Trustees eliminated the women’s rowing team and three men's athletic programs last year to obtain long-term financial sustainability.
A group of alumni from women’s rowing brought a complaint against the university, saying the elimination of the program puts UConn out of compliance with Title IX, which is supposed to equalize men’s and women’s opportunities in sports.
Though UConn doesn't own the facilities which the rowing team used, the facility needs necessary upgrades that are costly.
“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,” said UConn spokesperson Stephanie Reitz, in a press release announcing the reversal. “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.”
