Colgate Women Gain Varsity Status

After seven years of litigation, a Title IX lawsuit against Colgate University on behalf of the women’s ice hockey club team, was settled at the end of last week.

The women’s ice hockey club at Colgate has applied for varsity status four times since 1979, and filled suit in Federal Court in 1990.

Final approval by the Federal Judge from the Northern District of New York is still pending.

Since the advent of Title IX in 1972, women have been challenging universities across the United States to receive equal treatment.

Women’s collegiate ice hockey has been designated as an “emerging sport” by the NCAA. There are over 20 colleges with varsity teams in women’s ice hockey, and over 45 colleges with club teams. The Colgate women’s ice hockey team will play in the ECAC Alliance.