Need to Help College Athletes Fight Liberal Establishment

KUBears.com ^ | 3/31/2009

[LoveUSA]

KUTZTOWN(Pennsylvania), March 31 - Kutztown University President Dr. F. Javier Cevallos announced today the institution will discontinue its varsity men's soccer and men's swimming programs, effective immediately. The decision is expected to save the university up to $150,000 long term.

"The current economic situation has forced us to make some difficult decisions," Cevallos said. "Our first priority is always to protect the core academic component of the campus. I believe this decision allows us to honor that priority while maintaining our athletic integrity and competitiveness. This move is ultimately a proactive attempt to reduce costs in the current economy based on the anticipated budget."

The KU Athletics Department contracted Alden & Associates, an executive search and consulting firm specializing in higher education, to conduct a funding study on the intercollegiate athletic program.

[LoveUSA]

These kids are devasted. Most of what the university is saying is b.s. A savings of $150,000 over time doesn't even merit hiring a consultant firm. The Title IX stuff seems to be the issue, but the university is technically compliant. They brought on a women's lacrosse team and women's bowling team last year. The football program is well endowed but has very little following due to poor performance.

My daughter is on the swim team and (I'll spare you the details) the elimination of the men's program will ultimately and quickly result in the demise of the women's program.

Has anyone dealt with a situation like this where you've found an effective course of action?

Thanks a bunch!

[caseinpoint]

I haven’t dealt directly with this but perhaps you can find some examples of non-academic programs that waste money close to what the teams use, and check out academic programs that are not degree-related, such as fluff courses or politically-correct courses or overdone remediation programs. Highlight benefits of the endangered programs, such as scholarships to poor or middle-class students, donations connected with the program, or effective use of university facilities. Check into legal cases interpreting Title IX requirements. Investigate whether there is any information available from sources such as the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA).

Even universities have to cut back these days but there should be ways to argue these programs give better benefits than many other programs which have been added during the financial heydays of the recent decades. Good luck.

[Oldpuppymax]

After all, that 150 grand will pay for Al Gores time to speak to the mindless students about global warming!

[LoveUSA]

Thank you so much for your input.

The NCAA, College Coaches, local media have taken some involvement. The University President handled the announcement poorly and ruined chances for the men to find scholarships elsewhere for the coming year. He also stated that he wasn’t going to let the NCAA tell him how to run his university.

Most of what you suggested is in the works but historically has not been effective, especially with regards to Title IX. As long as football is weighted against the female sports, there will never be an unforced compliance.

HOWEVER, I think your idea of finding academic fluff programs for comparison is a fantastic one and I’ll pass it on to the kids. They are doing a phenomenal job of communicating and organizing. The University may think they are encouraging an atmophere of fairness for the sexes but they are instead opening the eyes of young men and women to the heavy handedness of liberal dogma.

[LoveUSA]

Hey! I’m pinging this thread ‘cause I have more info.

The kids are really gunned up about Kutztown University’s mindless decision to cut the mens’ swimming and soccer teams. The University President has given different answers at different times: it’s not Title IX, it IS Title IX, it’s not money, it IS money.....

Any Freepers in the area on April 21st are asked to attend the rally at 5:00 pm to support the men’s swim team.

My daughter is searching for a local (to Kutztown) Navy Seal who would be willing to say a few words at the rally about how the sport of swimming gives back to the community and the country, e.g. Navy Seals, life guards, Coast Guard etc. She might jump on Free Republic to make a person plea for Freeper help.

A link to the information site is here:

www.kutztownsports.com

[LoveUSA]

*ping*