WASHINGTON, D.C. — The University of the District of Columbia will eliminate its inter-collegiate athletics program in order to save money in its attempt to stay afloat despite drastic cuts in its budget.
“Inter-collegiate athletics is being eliminated. I haven’t heard, one way or another, about intramurals,” said Jo’Ellen Countee, a spokesperson for UDC.
The news came in the midst of the university’s trying to close an estimated $18.4 million budget shortfall.
Interim president Dr. Julius Nimmons has already proposed cutting 125 faculty positions and 168 other university positions, a proposal agreed to by the board of trustees.
In order to fend off the cutting of jobs, a coalition of faculty outside the official faculty senate submitted a budget proposal that would cut pay and benefits to existing staff members.
“This is an attempt by the faculty leadership to exercise responsibility,” said Dr. Joseph Drew, a political science professor. “We want to keep a viable institution.”
It was unclear at press time what the response of the faculty senate or the university administration would be to the alternative plan.
