The Clemson University Track and Field Team announced that it would add a women’s sports team and restore the men’s track and field teams and cross-country teams, reversing a decision that triggered months of protests, complaints, and threats of legal proceedings.
"For our university, our track and field department, and most importantly, for young men and women who proudly wear Clemson uniforms, this is the right decision," Clemson Place said. Jim Clements said in a press release.
Lori Bullock, an Iowa civil rights lawyer representing female Clemson athletes, said that after external investigations revealed widespread inequality between female and male athletes, the university will also issue Title IX. Gender equality reports, especially in football teams.
The press release stated that it has not yet determined which women's sports will be added.
Starting this week: Halfway through the final season, Clemson track and field athletes feel that the school "turned our backs on"
The news came after more than a month of negotiations between the Clemson track team, Bullock, and California lawyer Arthur Bryant, who represents the men’s track and cross-country teams.
The lawyers stated that Clemson violated Article 9 in two respects: discriminating against male track and field athletes and not providing equal resources to female athletes on multiple teams.
"This is the first time in the 50-year history of the regulation that male and female student athletes threatened to sue together to enforce it - and it is also the first time that Article 9 has been used to win equality for men," said Brian and Belle Glasser. Said in a press release.
Article 9 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and requires university sports departments to provide equal opportunities for men and women.
Sports director Dan Radakovich announced at the end of last year that the men’s track and field and cross-country teams will be disbanded due to future Article 9 issues and budget constraints caused by the pandemic.
These teams will now fully recover, and the university will increase female athletes to achieve Title IX compliance.
The university’s announcement read: “The decision was made after the revised financial forecast showed that the impact of COVID-19 was significant, but it did not seriously damage the university as expected.” By the end of 2020, Athletics spoke Jeff Kallin (Jeff Kallin) said that due to COVID-19, the department faces a budget gap of $25 million.
Critics called the reasons for the layoffs "unforgivable and unacceptable" and stated that Clemson only cares about athletes of color who can generate income, such as football and basketball teams.
Backstory: Clemson track and field athletes say that the decision to lay off has damaged opportunities for people of color
According to Clemson Track and Field, there are 51 athletes on the men's track team, 22 of whom are black. According to budget documents, the other majority black teams — football and basketball — generate most of the sports department’s revenue.
Bullock said the university will develop a fairness plan that will be overseen by external consultants and ensure that the university provides equal opportunities and resources for female athletes.
"I think Clemson did the right thing," Brock said. "They did this for the right reasons, and they are committed to complying with (Article 9) and addressing these inequalities."
Bullock said the gender inequality between Clemson's men's and women's teams is not unique.
"These inequalities exist in most universities in the United States. The problem is that unless female student athletes are willing to stand up and let their universities take responsibility, no one really monitors this on the ground."
More: Clemson is under state and federal pressure for stopping men’s track
During the investigation, Bullock worked with women on track, cross-country, and rowing teams. Here are some things she found:
Bullock expects to discover more unfairness during the Title IX review, which will be conducted by external sources.
According to Clemson, the review will be completed and planned next summer. "It will also aim to ensure that Clemson University maintains, improves and achieves Title IX compliance in all aspects of its intercollegiate sports program."
Clemson promised to comply with Article 9 before the 2023-2024 school year, that is, the gender demographics of college sports must reflect the gender breakdown of college students.
"As we communicated before, the initial decision was difficult. We did what was necessary to resolve our financial situation while maintaining compliance with gender equality. I am concerned about the future of Clemson Athletics and our Of student athletes are excited," Radakovic said.
Zoe is in charge of Clemson-just don't ask her about touchdowns or tackles. She covers all non-sports items. Find her on znicholson@gannett.com, @zoenicholson_ on Twitter, and @zoenicholsonreporter on Instagram.