The Board of Regents, which oversees Illinois State University, on Thursday overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to reinstate that school’s wrestling and men’s soccer teams, which were cut earlier this year in a move toward gender equity.
The vote was 7-1.
“I’m surprised with the lack of support on the part of the Board of Regents to right a wrong,” said wrestling coach Kevin Bellis.
After the vote, an attorney for athletes on both teams said that he will file a lawsuit within the next few weeks.
Kenny Mossman, assistant athletic director for media relations at ISU, applauded the vote: “This is certainly an affirmation of our plan and we’re going to move ahead with it.”
The athletic department intends to start a women’s soccer team and to offer more scholarships for females.
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