REINSTATEMENT
Why are you reinstating teams now after months of saying you would not reconsider the decision? How did this happen and why?
We have recently learned that elements of the data that Athletics used to confirm continued Title IX compliance may not have been complete. The reviews that we have commissioned will provide us with more details on the policies and practices that led us to question the data.
When will reinstatement take effect? And for how long?
Dartmouth will immediately reinstate all five teams through at least 2024-2025 academic year. The process for reinstatement will begin with the search for coaches, which will start immediately. Former coaches who were let go when the teams were eliminated will be offered the right of first refusal on getting their positions back.
Will coaches get their jobs back?
The search for coaches for the teams will begin immediately, and former coaches who were let go when the teams were eliminated will be offered the right of first refusal on getting their positions back.
If the settlement agreement only calls for reinstating the women’s teams, why are you reinstating men’s teams too?
As we take a step back to do a comprehensive review of our athletics compliance practices and procedures, it seemed fair and appropriate to reinstate the men’s teams alongside of the women’s teams. Upon completion of the reviews, Dartmouth will take any necessary actions to ensure compliance with Title IX, to support institutional goals, including diversity, equity and inclusion, and to address broader institutional priorities and challenges.
Was the reinstatement due to pressure the school was facing from a potential lawsuit? From negative media coverage?
Following complaints from a group of student-athletes, we recently learned that elements of the data that Athletics used to confirm continued Title IX compliance may not have been complete. In light of this, we made the decision to reinstate all five teams while we conduct a comprehensive review of our policies, practices and governance model.
Did the complaints of racial bias against Asian Americans contribute to the decision to reinstate the teams?
We took the complaints of racial bias seriously. We firmly believe that the process undertaken by athletics did not discriminate against any race. That said, racial equity is an important part of Dartmouth’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and we are committed to taking any actions necessary to further that commitment, based on the reviews.
Was the reinstatement made in response to alumni action?
Following complaints from a group of student-athletes, we recently learned that elements of the data that Athletics used to confirm continued Title IX compliance may not have been complete. In light of this, we made the decision to reinstate all five teams while we conduct a comprehensive review of our policies, practices and governance model.
We know that many in our community have been deeply disappointed by the decisions we have had to make, and the discovery that the Title IX data may not have been complete only adds to that disappointment. We sincerely apologize that this process has been, and continues to be, so painful to our current and former student-athletes and all who support them.
Will reinstated teams be fully rostered in time for the next season?
The search for coaches for the teams will begin immediately, and the teams, once formed and trained, will begin competing as soon as practicable based on COVID-19 conditions, Ivy League decisions on competition, and student-athlete health and safety.
When will reinstated teams be able to recruit?
Recruitment for the reinstated teams will begin as soon as the coaching staffs are in place.
When you eliminated teams in July, AD Harry Sheehy said it was to maintain the competitiveness of athletics program overall? How does reinstatement affect competitiveness?
Dartmouth is a competitive place. It’s in our DNA. Will it be more difficult? Yes, but we’ve never shied away from what is difficult. We will figure it out and we will be competitive.
POLICY AND PRACTICE REVIEWS
How was the data collected for Title IX compliance incomplete?
The compliance review is designed to answer that question. It will examine items the courts regard as important in determining Title IX compliance — records like squad lists and practice logs to determine if, where and how our record keeping was incomplete.
Who is responsible for the incomplete record keeping? Will someone be held accountable?
We are all reflecting on our roles, responsibilities and accountabilities, with an eye toward what we can do — individually and collectively — to strengthen the compliance execution and oversight.
As an institution, we are undertaking a comprehensive review of compliance practices and procedures in the athletics department. In addition to the gender equity review, we have also commissioned a review of compliance with NCAA and Ivy League rules by the Ivy League Office as well as an assessment by PwC of processes and controls across the athletics division. The findings of these reviews will be shared with the president and the audit and oversight committee of the board of trustees. Based on these reviews, we will develop an action plan that will be posted publicly.
We will have a better sense of full accountabilities, and more importantly opportunities to strengthen our compliance processes and procedures, once these reviews are completed.
Based on the equity review, will teams be eliminated (or added) afterward?
At the conclusion of the review, Dartmouth will take any necessary actions to ensure compliance with Title IX and to address institutional goals, including racial equity, as well as other goals, priorities, and challenges.
Will students and alumni be able to provide feedback as part of the equity review?
During the review, Dartmouth will request and consider input from members and alumni of the teams, as well as from other student-athletes and alumni of other teams.
How is compliance with Title IX assessed?
Compliance with Title IX is a fact-specific, fact-intensive assessment, informed by federal guidance from the U.S. Department of Education and judicial interpretations of that same guidance. Higher education institutions receiving federal funding must provide equitable athletics participation opportunities to men and women, but this is a technical assessment that goes much further than who may be on the rosters at any given time. Likewise, such institutions must provide equitable benefits, opportunities and treatment in eleven additional areas, all of which are measured holistically to determine whether the athletic program is compliant with the law.
What will the gender equity review involve?
Holland & Knight, a national law firm with expertise in Title IX compliance, will conduct a gender equity review. They will request and consider input from student athletes and alumni, including those from the reinstated teams as part of their review. The review will be completed no later than March 15, 2022. The resulting gender equity plan will be made public on the Athletics website before March 15, 2022. Status reports on implementation of the plan will also be made available on the Athletics website.
What will the NCAA compliance review involve?
We have asked the Ivy League to conduct an NCAA compliance review to show that Dartmouth Athletics is carefully following all of the NCAA’s policies and practices. This review will do just that.
What will the PricewaterhouseCoopers review involve?
We have asked Dartmouth’s auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, to undertake a process-and-control review of Dartmouth Athletics. They will examine administrative systems to make certain appropriate business practices are being followed and effective governance structures are in place. The findings and recommendations of the review will be delivered to the Board of Trustees Committee on Audit and Oversight and the president.
BUDGET
Will the budgets for reinstated teams be restored?
In light of the current pandemic and budgetary environment, the overall level of support for the teams may be reduced consistent with reductions in the overall level of support for Dartmouth’s other teams and varsity athletics program.
How will the reinstatement impact the Athletics budget?
The reinstatement of the teams will not affect the Athletics budget; however, in light of the current pandemic and budgetary environment, the level of support for the teams may be reduced consistent with reductions in the overall level of support for Dartmouth’s other teams and the athletics program.
Will cuts now need to be made to other areas of Athletics and where do you expect those to be made?
Departmental budget decisions will continue to be evaluated now, and following the findings of the multiple reviews.
Will the golf course reopen?
The Hanover Country Club and golf course remain closed. However, there are a number of local courses at which the women’s and men’s golf teams can play. As soon as we have a plan finalized, we will share it.
Additional questions can be emailed to teamreinstatement@dartmouth.edu.
