Letter from the Board of Trustees

Dear Swim & Dive Community Members,

The Board of Trustees understands that the decision to eliminate five varsity teams has led to profound disappointment and frustration, particularly among the student-athletes most affected. We appreciate the heartfelt candor, the depth of frustration and disappointment, and, above all, the love of their sport and their teammates that so many of our student- athletes have expressed. It is clear how much being a member of a team meant to them and how much it enriched their Dartmouth experience.

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 here on July 9. The ultimate decision was considered at length by Dartmouth Athletics, reviewed by the Dartmouth Athletics Advisory Board and institutional leadership, and supported by the Board of Trustees. The board remains supportive of the decision and confident that these actions are in the long-term best interest of the institution.

The board will not revisit the decision. The decision was made with great care and concern, and we sincerely hope that the affected student-athletes who Dartmouth invited to join the community because of their extraordinary promise and range of talent will choose to remain as valued leaders of our community.

Sincerely,
The Dartmouth Board of Trustees