One day after it was revealed Louisiana Ragin' Cajun softball coach Michael Lotief had been placed on administrative leave, some Ragin' Cajun softball players released a statement through Attorney L. Clayton Burgess, claiming possible Title IX violations by the University.

In Burgess' statement, (which can be read in full by clicking here), some unnamed UL softball players allege "unfair treatment and retaliation by present ULL athletic administrators", and claim to feel "disrespected and mistreated and underappreciated by the athletic administration".

The University, through their Office of Communications and Marketing, released the following statement in response to the softball team's allegation of "possible Title IX violations".

As its Title IX policy states, the University is committed to creating and maintaining a campus environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.
 
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette complies with the mandate of Title IX and is committed to maintaining an environment of equal opportunity for both genders in all areas of university life.

 

Title IX is a federal law that states: "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."

Yesterday, Lotief's attorney John E. McElligott, Jr. released a statement, claiming his client being placed on administrative leave stemmed from a "passionate discussion about gender equality".

Lotief has been on administrative leave since October 6th. Assistant coach Chris Malveaux is currently coordinating the softball program during Lotief's absence.

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