#United States #Huntington #Women's Sports #Title IX #Marshall University

Bailey Glasser Files Title IX Lawsuit Against Marshall University

In a significant legal move, members of Marshall University's women's swimming and diving team have pursued a class action lawsuit against the university and its Board of Governors. This lawsuit stems from the school's decision to cut the women's swimming and diving team, which the plaintiffs argue is a direct violation of Title IX—federal legislation that prohibits sex discrimination in any educational institution that accepts federal funding.

The lawsuit, formally known as Dodd v. Marshall University, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, showcasing the efforts of the Bailey Glasser, LLP law firm. This firm is particularly noted for its commitment to enforcing Title IX and advocating for gender equity among student-athletes. The team of attorneys working on this case includes partners Cary Joshi and Joshua I. Hammack, along with lawyers Savanna Jones and Gabrielle Marcum.

Details of the Case

The plaintiffs have not just filed for a lawsuit but have also requested a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction to prevent Marshall University from eliminating any women's teams, specifically the swimming and diving team, during the ongoing legal proceedings. According to the lawsuit, the plaintiffs maintain that Marshall has egregiously failed to provide equal athletic opportunities for women. An independent audit conducted in October 2025 revealed stark discrepancies in the number of athletic opportunities afforded to female athletes compared to their male counterparts.

In the three most recent academic years leading up to the lawsuit, women were found to be denied 210, 250, and 160 participation opportunities per year, respectively, indicating a longstanding pattern of gender-based neglect within the university's athletics program.

Attorney Joshua I. Hammack emphasized that the case is straightforward. "For years, Marshall has neglected to provide equal opportunities for women in sports. Now, they aim to eliminate a women's team, further exacerbating existing inequalities. The athletes involved want nothing more than to uphold the principles of Title IX,” he stated.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, Marshall's Athletic Director, Gerald Harrison, informed team members of the impending cuts just days prior to their final competition of the season, branding the swimming and diving team as "cuttable." This announcement arrived on the first day of Marshall’s "Week of HERd", a celebration meant to honor female student-athletes at the university.

Emotional Impact on Student-Athletes

One of the plaintiffs, Allison Dodd, a junior on the team, expressed the shock and distress that the team felt. “We were blindsided by this news. To be informed so abruptly, especially less than a week before our conference championship, felt disheartening. We had only a brief meeting with the athletic director, and that was it. We are devastated but prepared to fight for our rights,” she affirmed.

In the face of potential dissolution, Dodd, alongside teammates Madison Bowen, Charlotte Thompson, and Lauren Ramsey, has been advocating for the SB-502, known as the "Women's Collegiate Sports Protection Act." This legislative effort aims to provide additional protections and support for women's collegiate sports, including swimming and diving. Dodd voiced hope that passage of the bill could aid in securing the futures of their team.

Bowen reflected on the potential of the SB-502: “Our goal is to see this bill passed so that we might use it for long-term support of our team. However, the onus is on Marshall to act justly, regardless of financial implications,” she stated.

Conclusion

The Bailey Glasser, LLP firm continues to fight for justice in this significant Title IX case, seeking to preserve the opportunities for all female student-athletes. Their dedicated efforts, alongside the bravery of the student-athletes involved, underscore a critical moment in the struggle for gender equity in collegiate athletics across the nation. As the litigation progresses, athletes, advocates, and supporters alike are hopeful for a resolution that upholds the rights and dignity of female athletes at Marshall University and beyond.