In launching the Excellence in Athletics Initiative, Brown’s revised roster of teams was determined through an extensive, data-driven review that considered gender equity among the essential criteria for decision-making.

With the changes to the lineup of varsity teams, the University’s proportionality requirement will move to a maximum 2.25% variance. The composition of teams and squad sizes will comply in full with the terms established via the Cohen v. Brown settlement agreement.

In practice, the initiative will extend Brown’s commitment to gender equity in athletics even further. With the changes being made to the roster of varsity teams, Brown will increase the percentage of varsity opportunities for women athletes to be even more closely aligned with the percentage of women in the undergraduate student body.

The initiative will also align more broadly with the University’s diversity and inclusion efforts, expanding opportunities for non-recruited athletes to participate in competitive club sports and enhancing diversity on teams, which already attract a diverse array of student-athletes.

Ultimately, Brown’s full suite of athletics programs will recognize the robust athletic interests and abilities of all student-athletes and provide a wide group of students a comprehensive set of opportunities for competitive play at both the varsity and club levels.