Baylor University Releases Statements On Title IX Lawsuit
Baylor University released the following statements today from the Office of General Counsel and from Baylor Athletics Director Ian McCaw in response to a Title IX lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Waco:
Charles Beckenhauer, Associate General Counsel, Baylor University
"Baylor has just obtained a copy of the complaint in the case and has not had an opportunity to fully evaluate the allegations. I can state that Baylor University successfully closed an inquiry with the U.S. Department of Education in 1999, and accordingly, Baylor was indisputably in full compliance as late as the closure of that inquiry. Since that time, Baylor has monitored the interests and abilities of the Baylor students. Even before the filing of this lawsuit, Baylor has been conscious of its obligations under Title IX and has been striving to maintain compliance."
Ian McCaw, Director of Athletics, Baylor University
"While I am not in a position to comment on pending litigation, I can confirm that the Athletic Department is in the process of developing a five-year strategic plan. This plan, which we expect to be completed this summer, will include a Gender Equity Plan detailing Baylor University's commitment to maintaining compliance with Title IX.
"The athletic department is currently working with the office of institutional research to conduct a student athletic interest survey. This data along with other pertinent information will serve as a foundation for the Gender Equity Plan and related strategies. It is premature to speculate regarding the addition of varsity programming until such time as this plan has been fully developed and approved.
"We are especially privileged to have such outstanding women's athletic programs at Baylor. To date this year, Baylor's women's cross country, basketball, indoor track and field, softball, tennis and golf teams have been ranked in the Top 35 nationally."