Less than 4 months after the women’s squash team was reinstated to varsity status following a lengthy Title IX lawsuit on the basis of gender-based descriination, the men’s squash team has also regained their status as a varsity sports team.

 In a letter to the college, Interim President, John E. Jones III ’77, said “To be fair to the dedicated athletes involved, I have decided to reinstate the men’s team to varsity status as well. Going forward, both men and women will continue to compete as varsity teams.” Although the teams are currently without a coach, administration “will search for a squash coach—one who will serve both teams.”

“After President Jones told us all we were being reinstated, there was a sense of relief, happiness and just satisfaction. Emotions were running high, tears and hugs were exchanged not only within the men’s team but women’s team as well and I think that shows the closeness of the men’s and women’s program we have here at Dickinson” said Kobe Fleming ‘24, captain of the men’s squash team. I’m extremely proud of everyone here competing to be better squash players and bettering themselves as people.”

In a press release from Feb 10, Arthur Bryant, the legal representative for the squash team, said “This is a huge victory for the women’s squash team members, the men’s squash team members, and all of their parents and supporters.” His firm also stated that “President Jones met with the student-athletes about their teams’ treatment, shared the good news.”

When asked if he expected the men’s team to be reinstated, Fleming’ 24 said, “I was always hopeful that the team was going to be reinstated and we all worked really hard to get this team back. Everyone of us on this team is passionate about squash and we wanted to fight for something we believe in and it’s very satisfying knowing that all of this hard work and dedication has paid off.”

Administration’s initial announcement stating their intent to demote both men’s and women’s squash to club status was met with anger and hostility throughout the Dickinson College community by students and faculty alike. “The belief and support really helped us keep faith and motivated us all to keep pushing, especially when it felt like everything was stacked against us,” said Fleming’ 24.

President Jones concluded his letter to the college by saying “New college presidents sometimes forge ahead with plans without having the necessary feel for all the facts and may fail to consider viable alternatives. That was certainly the case here.”