St. Paul, MN - The University of Minnesota Board of Regents has recently signaled support to permanently terminate men’s tennis, gymnastics and track and field. Representative Brad Tabke (DFL - Shakopee) issued the following statement in support of maintaining these programs”:
“These proposed cuts are premature at this time and would reduce opportunities for all students while making a minimal impact on the athletic department’s current budget deficit,” said Rep. Tabke. “This process has lacked transparency and would directly and negatively affect Shakopee residents. These students have worked extremely hard and deserve the opportunity to continue competing for the University of Minnesota. The University Board of Regents should hold off on making these difficult cuts until the financial situation is updated and until other less drastic measures, such as reduced roster sizes, are considered.”
Recently groups in support of the programs have advocated for alternative funding sources, such as Save Gopher Track and Field which has raised $1.5 million over five years in just over a week.
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