A federal court has ordered Concordia University Irvine (CUI) to reinstate its women’s swimming, diving, and tennis teams after finding the school likely violated Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs and athletics.
In May 2025, the private Division II university announced plans to cut both its men’s and women’s swimming and tennis programs, citing budget constraints and a need for “strategic restructuring.” The move was expected to save roughly $550,000 in annual costs. However, nine female athletes filed a federal lawsuit in August, arguing the decision disproportionately impacted women and reduced their opportunities to compete in college sports.
Last week, U.S. District Judge Fred W. Slaughter issued a preliminary injunction, ruling that CUI must immediately reinstate the women’s teams while the case continues. The judge stated that the plaintiffs had demonstrated a strong likelihood of success in proving their Title IX claims, writing that the cuts were a “flagrant violation” of gender equity law.
CUI argued that reinstating the teams mid-academic year would be “impossible,” citing challenges with hiring coaches and rebuilding rosters. However, the court disagreed, noting that reinstatement, particularly for the spring tennis season, was both feasible and necessary to protect the athletes’ rights.
This case adds CUI to a growing list of universities ordered to restore women’s sports programs following Title IX challenges. Since 2020, schools including Iowa, Dartmouth, Clemson, and East Carolina have faced similar rulings.
Attorney Arthur Bryant, who represented the athletes, called the decision “a clear message that schools cannot ignore federal law or take opportunities away from female athletes.”
For the affected athletes, the ruling means a chance to return to competition and continue pursuing their college careers, and for college athletics as a whole, it reinforces Title IX’s enduring role in ensuring fairness and equality across sports.
Source: Daniel Libit, Sportico; Orange County Register
