Thousand Oaks private university reinstates women's lacrosse, avoids lawsuit

After the California Lutheran University women's lacrosse team was announced for folding last spring, student-athletes fought back in court to get it reinstated. Junior Shea Simpson expressed relief to be back on the field after an emotionally tumultuous period. The team had finished the last two seasons on a high note with nine incoming freshmen committed. However, Athletic Director Howard Davis announced the discontinuation to focus on the strength of the remaining 22 varsity programs. Simpson felt betrayed as the athletic director suggested she use the transfer portal, an option she could not use due to her uncommon major. The teammates started a petition and met with Davis, but when that failed, parents and alumni suggested legal action. Attorney Arthur Bryant argued the decision was a flagrant violation of Title IX, noting that the university had 55 percent female students but only 38 percent female athletes. He stated that the school would have had to add 242 women to the program to achieve equality before taking away the lacrosse team. In May, Bryant threatened to file a class-action lawsuit unless the school reinstated the team and hired a gender-equity specialist. On July 6, the school announced it would do just that. Simpson stated that she is proud of her team and the school for doing the right thing.

(Source：CBS News)