Quinnipiac University's women's rugby players protest against decision to eliminate D1 program
The school announced last week that it would drop its three-time national champion Division I women’s rugby program from varsity to club level. School officials have said Title 9 was a "central component of the decision."
More Stories
Members of the Quinnipiac University women's rugby team protested Tuesday at the school as they attempt to get the school's Division I varsity program reinstated.
The school announced last week that it would drop its three-time national champion Division I women’s rugby program from varsity to club level. School officials have said Title IX was a "central component of the decision."
Following the decision, a petition was created, with thousands of signatures in favor of reinstating the program.
News 12 was told that University President Dr. Marie Harden addressed the crowd during the protest. However, players say Harden's words are not enough and they demand more answers.
“It’s important for everyone to see that we’re not just going to let them do this to us and take it away from us easily without a fight because it means a lot to us," said Macey Dunn, a junior on the team.
“What we want is to be reinstated. We want the respect we deserve and what we’ve worked so hard for. This program means everything to each and every one of us, and it has a storied history. It should be reinstated," said team captain Kelsey Thomas.
Players who spoke with News 12 say there is a meeting slated for later this week between the team and the university.
They add that they plan to take this issue to court.
A GoFundMe has been launched to help the team pay for potential legal representation.
