James Madison University announced plans in late September to cut 10 athletic teams, explaining these cuts as being necessary for Title IX compliance. Read the response of Donna Lopiano, CEO.
Published: October 6, 2006
It is inaccurate to say that the decision made by James Madison University to eliminate women's sports was a gender equity decision. After years of historical discrimination against women in athletics programs, universities are expected to increase opportunities for women rather than decrease them.
The decision to cut men's and women's sports was purely financial and philosophical. The University has decided to join the division I arms race in football and basketball and to take what will most likely be 70-80% of its men's program budget (Division IA institutions spend an average of 78% of their men's budgets on these two sports) and resources saved from cutting men's and women's sports to join the chase for Division I notoriety and riches that for all but Division I BCS schools, will be a mirage.
Yet, every University has the right to choose its own course in academia and athletics. Reducing the size of academic departments to have a top ranked medical or business school is common. Similarly, reducing the size of athletic programs to excel in one or two sports, is common. The question that should be asked by alumni and students in either case is whether it has the resources or appetite to pursue such an objective and whether the outcome, even if achieved, justifies the means. The odds of being financially successful in Division I are not favorable. The loss of opportunities for hundreds of athletes to engage in educational sport and millions of dollars in recruiting, facilities and other costs as yet unrevealed will be the price.
It is important to accurately describe the University's decision. To blame Title IX for a program cut incites anger and resistance to the law and perhaps to women's sports programs in general, particularly from partisans from the men's teams. If the athletes whose opportunities to play have been eliminated or alumni who don't believe it appropriate to chase the Division I illusion of fame and riches wish to be angry, let's point that anger in the right direction.
Read the Foundation's position on James Madison University's actions.