APRIL 22, 2026 • VOLUME 96 • ISSUE 25
The official student newspaper of Quinnipiac University since 1929
‘This isn't the end for us’
Quinnipiac students lead protest, demand change and accountability in Title IX office By AVA HIGHLAND Managing Editor
“I’ve worked my whole life to get to be a Division I athlete, and to have that taken away on a random Tuesday, I don’t believe it still,” freshman fly-half/scrumhalf Emily Hartman said. And these feelings aren’t exclusive to Hartman, with a roster of 28 athletes, each and every girl has felt the aftermath of this decision like a punch to the gut. “The last couple days have not felt real at all,” junior prop/flanker Macey Dunn said. For Dunn and sophomore wing/scrumhalf Reagan Perez, this experience is all too familiar. Both Bobcats joined the squad this season, transferring from Central Washington University after the university cut both its men’s and women’s rugby programs last season.
Over 40 students gathered on the steps of the Arnold Bernhard Library on Quinnipiac’s Mount Carmel Campus demanding change in the Office of Title IX led by QU S.T.A.T, Tuesday afternoon. Spearheaded by three students, QU S.T.A.T. (Speed, Transparency, Accountability, Training) was formed to organize the protest, demand change and accountability to Quinnipiac’s Title IX office and spread awareness. “This demonstration is about everyone who has been harmed by the Title IX office,” third-year law and society major Emma Homenick said to the crowd from the steps of the library. “Change needs to happen. We need to demand it, because the administration clearly won’t do anything.” Homenick, along with second-year history major Thomas Potter were inspired to form the protest to demand change after being filled with upset and anger following the op-ed published by The Chronicle detailing an experience with Title IX. They later brought in fourth-year justice and community engagement major Angelina Giordani, who has been working on the backside of the proposed Office of Victims Advocacy (OVA). Tuesday’s peaceful demonstration drew a large crowd of students, faculty and administration across the quad. Several Department of Public Safety officers were also in attendance to ensure safety. “We thank the students who gathered today to share their perspectives,” Associate Vice President for Public Relations John Morgan wrote in a statement to The Chronicle. “The concerns raised are important, and university leadership is taking them seriously. We are committed to a thoughtful and genuine review of what was presented today and to continued dialogue with our campus community. Homenick shared QU S.T.A.T.’s demands, which have been sent to Quinnipiac administration. Students in attendance also had the opportunity to sign their name at the bottom of those demands to later be given to administration as well. “Our office is ineffective, overloaded and unsupported,” Homenick said. “We are here today to demand speed, transparency, accountability and training in the Title IX office.” The demands include visibility for the Title IX office and their procedures, holding the university and Title IX office accountable, student advocates in the office, trauma sensitive training in the office and for Public Safety, along with several other requests. The S.T.A.T leaders were joined by about 12 other students who have been working behind the scenes with them along with several other students outside the library with signs raised. At the top of the stairs were also members from the rugby team who later spoke, as did author of the aforementioned op-ed Lillian Curtin and a member of the Survivor Advocacy Alliance.
See RUGBY Page 2
See PROTEST Page 3
RYLEY LEE/CHRONICLE
Quinnipiac rugby gets demoted to club status, athletes feel support from community but not the university By AVA HIGHLAND AND CLAIRE FRANKLAND
After 17 years, three national championships and an Olympian, Quinnipiac Athletics announced April 14, per a press release, its women’s rugby program would transition from varsity to club status at the conclusion of this year’s competitive cycle. The news not only rocked the Bobcat community but also shocked the rugby world, as Quinnipiac’s program was one of the founding programs for women’s rugby in the nation when it started up in 2011 and has been led by head coach Becky Carlson since its founding. This came as a shock not just to the Quinnipiac community but also to the team itself, who had no forewarning of the announcement. The athletes were called to a meeting the morning of April 14, but those who had to attend class under NCAA requirements received a brief email with the announcement. Quinnipiac Athletics cites that “the initiative aligns institutional resources with long-term competitive priorities, fiscal sustainability and the University’s ongoing commitment to Title IX compliance,” according to the press release. While rugby moves from varsity to club status, Quinnipiac will be bringing on a men’s indoor and outdoor distance program. Bringing on the men’s team “advances both competitive and gender equity objectives.” Several questions have risen in regard to the athletes’ and teams’ future, including their scholarships. Many speculated the athletes would lose their scholarships, however Quinnipiac Athletics confirmed this to be untrue. “Quinnipiac will honor all existing commitments in accordance with NCAA and institutional policies,” according to Quinnipiac Athletics. “Scholarship and financial aid considerations are being managed carefully to ensure fairness, com-
pliance and continued student athlete support.” Some, like former Bobcat wing Caitria Sands ‘18, have also questioned where rugby’s Bobcat Challenge money from the fall fundraiser would be going. “They are now threatening to take that money for who knows what, which they are not giving it to women’s rugby anymore and we’re trying to get a hold of them to make sure that they either give us our money back or that they truly give it to women’s rugby,” Sands said. “Because none of us alums or anyone who donated are allowing our money to be given to anyone but Quinnipiac women’s rugby.” However, Associate Vice President for Public Relations John Morgan says the money will still go to the club women’s rugby team. “Athletics will collaborate with relevant campus groups to support the continuation of women’s rugby as a club activity and will work with students to help ensure a smooth transition,” Morgan wrote in a statement to The Chronicle. “Any remaining team‑raised funds will continue to benefit the women’s rugby program as a club sport.” To advocate for women’s rugby and the recent uprise in Title IX across the university, QU S.T.A.T. organized a protest in front of the Arnold Bernhard Library April 21. President Marie Hardin was present, supporting students, such as the rugby team, who have been affected by the university’s recent decisions. “I believe we could work on these issues together and we can succeed,” Hardin said. “So I want you to know that I hear you and we hear you now, unfortunately, and I apologize for this.” Additionally, seniors lock Kelsey Thomas and hooker/fanker Lucy Lamborn spoke on behalf of the rugby team, presenting statements. “What does not make sense is the need to cut and remove programs from a woman’s sport
in general, or the women’s sex, especially one that has been systemically and historically disenfranchised to give to another,” Lamborn said. “While men deserve the opportunity to participate in sports, it does not equate to remove a woman’s sport that is not acceptable, and we will not stand for this.” Following the protest, Morgan, on behalf of the university, ensures that the athletes are understood. “To the members of our women’s rugby team, we understand your disappointment and acknowledge the dedication you have shown,” Morgan wrote in a statement to The Chronicle. “You are valued members of this university, and our staff will continue to support you as you navigate next steps.” The Chronicle reached out for comment from Director of Athletics Greg Amodio and Deputy Director of Athletics Sarah Fraser, but was referred back to the press release. ATHLETES