Judge saves QU volleyball team

Hamden (AP/WTNH) - A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction that prevents Quinnipiac University from eliminating its volleyball team.

Judge Stefan Underhill on Friday granted an injunction that keeps the team intact until a gender equity lawsuit against the school can be heard.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Connecticut brought the lawsuit on behalf of the team and its coach, who say Quinnipiac isn't in compliance with Title IX laws.

"We don't believe that they should be able to eliminate real opportunity for woman to play sports at Quinnipiac until they are in compliance with Title 9," said Patrick Doyle of ACLU.

University attorney Mary Gambardella said Quinnipiac would be harmed if the volleyball team is reinstated because it has already eliminated men's golf and outdoor track. She says reinstating volleyball would leave the school without gender equity.

In a statement released by Quinnipiac University, they said, "Quinnipiac is in full compliance with Title IX this year and expects to be in full compliance with Title IX moving forward both next year and in future years. Noncompliance with Title IX is not an option for Quinnipiac or any university."

The ACLU said it looks forward to exploring the definition of gender equality in college sports that could have national ramifications.