PSU response to Fox 12 

" A decision was made to pause the program for the 2023-24 academic year. The Cheer program is an affiliate of the Athletics Department to support our game day environment. It is not a competitive cheer program. We will continue to operate our other affiliate support program, the Dance team.

-PSU Athletic Department"

(It is important to note that PSU was in fact a competitive program and competed with the consent of the Portland State Athletic Department) 

PSU response to an athletes email regarding the decision to pause the program

"Vivian,

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and concerns regarding the status of the cheer program here at Portland State University. I hear and understand your disappointment with the decision to pause the cheer program as we evaluate and develop a long term sustainable program model that experience for PSU students.

An unprecedented University budget deficit has caused a significant reduction to athletics. Per our funding from the university, the participation in cheer competitions was outside the allocated budget. Similar to all programs within athletics, activities that are outside the scope of the budget are fundraising initiatives of the teams.

We are taking this pause with the cheer program to evaluate alternative program models and alternative fundraising opportunities to establish a cheer program that supports the goals of the athletic program and university. The athletic department greatly values and appreciates the commitment and dedication of the cheer program and apologize for the disappointment and frustration felt by putting the program on pause

Respectfully,

Leah Thyne

(It is important to note that the fund given to PSU cheer by the athletic department never paid for any competition related expenses. That was entirely funded by fundraising on behalf of the athletes.)