HANOVER, N.H. – November 6, 2020 – Dartmouth leadership understands that the decision to eliminate five varsity teams has led to profound disappointment and frustration, particularly among the communities most affected.

While it may not alleviate the disappointment or frustration, we want you to know that the process that led to the decision was thorough and methodical. The athletics leadership team embraced a comprehensive approach that considered multiple factors leading to the final decision, which did not discriminate against any race. The criteria were shared on July 9. 

The ultimate decision was considered at length by Dartmouth Athletics, the Dartmouth Athletics Advisory Board, institutional leadership, and the Board of Trustees, all of whom remain fully supportive of the decision and will not revisit it. 

 We are confident that the decision—however difficult to make and painful to accept—is in the long-term best interest of the institution.