Total Articles: 3
Federal Appeals Court Upholds University’s Team Cuts to Comply with Title IX
James Madison University’s (“JMU”) decision to eliminate seven men’s and three women’s sports teams to bring its athletic program into compliance with Title IX, the federal law barring sex discrimination at colleges receiving federal financial aid, has been upheld unanimously by the federal appeals court in Richmond. Equity in Athletics Inc. v. Department of Educ., No. 10-1259 (4th Cir. Mar. 8, 2011). The Court affirmed the dismissal of the lawsuit filed by Equity in Athletics Inc. (“EIA”), a coalition of student athletes, coaches, parent, and fans, challenging JMU’s decision as violating the U.S. Constitution and Title IX.
Coach Wins Stunning Verdict In Title IX Retaliation Case.
A former women's volleyball coach at Fresno State University was awarded what is believed to be the largest ever jury award in a Title IX retaliation case, receiving over $5.8 million dollars almost $2 million more than her lawyers had even asked for. This case is a startling reminder to all educational institutions of the importance of compliance with Title IX, and more importantly, highlights some pitfalls that can lead to such a large verdict. Vivas v. Fresno State University.
Title IX: Beyond Athletics.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is best known in the realm of college athletics it requires that women be provided an equal opportunity with men to play sports; that female athletes receive athletic scholarship dollars proportional to their participation in athletics; and, that there be equitable quality of men's and women's athletic programs.
