In their new initiative to "reshape, improve competitiveness in Brown varsity and club athletics," Brown University has slighted hundreds of college athletes. In a five minute call, coaches and athletes in men's and women’s fencing, men's and women’s golf, women’s skiing, men's and women’s squash, women’s equestrian, and men’s track, field and cross country were stripped of their varsity status. They were demoted to clubs, meaning they will no longer receive funding, training, or the ability to represent their school at varsity competitions. Each and every one of these athletes earned their Division 1 competitive status. Many are Olympic hopefuls. Now, Brown has taken away this opportunity because "In the decade ending in 2018, Brown earned 2.8% of Ivy League titles, the lowest among member schools." These are human beings, not statistics. And beyond that, their records speak for themselves: these teams are fantastic. The fencing team has had 17 athletes qualify for the NCAA championships in the same 10-year time period. Both the golf and skiing teams consistently place in the top 25% at meets. The men's track team finished 3rd in the Ivy Leagues and has produced All-Americans as recently as 2018. Additionally, these sports are some of the most diverse at Brown. By removing them from competition, Brown is indirectly suppressing athletes of color and lower socioeconomic statuses. By signing this petition, you stand in solidarity with the athletes and coaches who have had their futures turned upside down in a matter of hours. We will get these Brown varsity teams back!