And ultimately, cuts hit more men’s programs (47) than women’s (22) in Division I, according to data from The Associated Press and wrestling site Mat Talk Almanac. Schools that chose cuts had to consider Title IX compliance numbers for remaining programs. The goal is ensuring men and women have equitable participation opportunities as well as access to scholarships.īut the shutdown created financial pressures, particularly for Division I programs with lost revenue from the canceled NCAA men’s basketball tournament and uncertainty about whether football - which largely funds Olympic and lower-profile sports programs - would go forward at all. Compliance can be measured in multiple ways, including whether the overall program’s gender breakdown is proportionate to that of the general student body.
