On September 4, 2003, female students, on behalf of themselves and all similarly situated individuals, filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq. against West Chester University of Pennsylvania of the State System of Higher Education, also known as West Chester University. Plaintiffs, represented by private and public interest counsel, asked the court for declaratory and injunctive relief, claiming that West Chester University had violated plaintiffs' statutory rights under Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, 20 U.S.C. § 1681, and related regulations and interpretations, by discriminating on the basis of sex in intercollegiate athletics by failing effectively to accommodate the interests and abilities of women student athletes and potential student athletes, and by failing to accord women student athletes equal treatment and benefits. Specifically, plaintiffs claimed that the recent elimination of its women's gymnastics team perpetuated West Chester University's continuing violation of Title IX's standards.

On November 12, 2003, the District Court (Judge Barclay Surrick) granted plaintiffs' preliminary injunction directing defendants to reinstate the West Chester University women's gymnastics team. On May 7, 2004, the Court dismissed without prejudice all claims other than the claim that defendant violated Title IX when it sought to eliminate the women's gymnastics team as of the 2003-04 academic year. On March 31, 2006, the Court granted in part and denied in part plaintiffs' motion for awarding of attorneys' costs and fees, and awarded plaintiffs $148,472.59, which was to be paid by defendants. On April 24, 2007, the Court denied plaintiffs' motion for reconsideration and amendment of attorneys' fees.

The case was terminated on April 7, 2007.

Heather Turner - 03/18/2014


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