UC Berkeley is making its final decision on cuts in the athletic department today. It will be decided whether four men’s teams at the school are going to be cut completely and one decreased. In addition to these cuts, approximately 80 athletes from the remaining teams would also see the end of their athletic career. The reason for having to eliminate various sports teams is the gender-equity law. According to Dan Mogulof, the university spokesperson, the school decided to abide by the law very closely. “The campus fully analyzed the Title IX consequences of the initial scope decision and had plans in place last September to ensure continued compliance with the law,” he said.
Baseball, men’s and women’s gymnastic as well as women’s lacrosse are the sports that are in most danger to be eliminated. Last September the school announced its plan and since then many initiatives have been established in order to save the sports. Even though these campaigns raised money for the four teams, they are still not safe. Cuts of these teams will not only make it easier for the university to juggle the law’s requirements but instead it is going to make it independent of the school. Without women’s gymnastics and lacrosse, it would not be in compliance with Title IX anymore.
