Judge denies UI female students seeking restraining order from swimming, diving team cuts

Article here. Excerpt:

'A federal court judge has rejected a request from six female student athletes seeking an immediate restraining order that would halt the University of Iowa’s efforts to dismantle its women’s swimming and diving program.

“Because plaintiffs have not established the threat of irreparable injury ‘of such imminence that there is a clear and present need for equitable relief to prevent irreparable harm,’ … they have not established a need for such immediate emergency relief,” U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie Rose wrote in an order Dec. 4 — one day after the students, through their attorney, formally made the request.

“However, the court appreciates the time-sensitive nature of plaintiffs’ dilemma as a general matter, and finds expedited briefing to be appropriate,” Rose added, setting a hearing for Dec. 18.

The UI female athletes officially sought their restraining order against UI actions set into motion in August when Athletic Director Gary Barta announced plans to cut men’s and women’s swimming and diving, men’s gymnastics, and men’s tennis after this academic year in response to massive financial losses from COVID-19.'