Some players and the coach of Quinnipiac University’s women's volleyball team are suing the university, looking for equal opportunity, after the school cut the team in an effort to save money.
The complaint, filed Thursday, alleges that the school violated Title IX by failing to provide varsity intercollegiate athletics.
Title IX is the 1972 education amendment imposed in order to promote gender equality in scholastic and collegiate athletic opportunities, the Quad News reports.
"Title IX was enacted over 30 years ago and makes clear that denying women equal access to athletics is a violation of their civil rights,” Andrew Schneider, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union state office in Hartford said in a news release. "We understand these are tough economic times, but Quinnipiac shouldn't be unfairly balancing their budget on the backs of women who are already being discriminated against."
The complaint asks the court to block the university from cutting the program while the issue is litigated.
Along with the women's volleyball team, the school eliminated men's track and golf.
Quinnipiac declined comment because the matter is in litigation.