Sports

University Of Hartford Makes Outlandish, Inappropriate Threat To Student-Athletes Over Graduation Boos

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  • The University of Hartford is moving its athletic programs from D-1 to D-3, and it has not been well-received.
  • To get ahead of any potential controversy at graduation, the school levied an inappropriate threat to its student-athletes.
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In the Spring of 2021, the University of Hartford decided to move its athletic programs from the Division-I level to the Division-III level. The transition, of course, came with a lot of push back— particularly from the student-athletes already enrolled or committed to continue their careers at the school.

To make matters worse, the decision came after the basketball program reached a historic height. In March of 2021, Hartford men’s basketball won its first conference championship and played in the NCAA tournament for the first time.

Shortly thereafter, the school voted to move from D-1 to D-3.

“A move to Division III will allow the University to further strengthen the academic, co-curricular, and wellness experience for all students. While we know this decision will disappoint some members of our community, we remain confident that this shift is in the best long-term interests of the institution and all its students,” Board Chair David Gordon said in a statement.

In response to the decision to downgrade, students and student-athletes joined together to express their frustration. They held marches and protests, voiced their displeasure with the university through written and verbal communication, and some student-athletes even took the school to court over the decision.

Come January of 2022, the request was filed and approved with the NCAA. Hartford will be moving to the D-3 level.

Of course, after it became official, the University of Hartford’s decision to move from Division-I to Division-III was not well-received by the student-athletes. Again.

Hartford held its graduation ceremonies over the weekend.

To get ahead of any controversy, the school recently levied an outlandish threat on its student-athletes. It was concerned with potential pushback. In particular, the school wanted to stop potential boos from student-athletes.

The way in which the administration chose to approach the situation was terrible. It really couldn’t have been worse. They threatened the coaches and athletes with suspensions and forfeits.

And then, during the actual ceremony, University of Hartford president Gregory Woodward barely spoke.

But that didn’t keep him from getting booed.

Hartford’s decision is one thing. It’s heart-breaking for the student-athletes.

The way that Hartford chose to get out ahead of potential boos was even worse. To threaten what, in essence, is free speech for sake of image and status is truly wrong.