The complaint alleges the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC) violated its own bylaws and Title IX statutes by targeting Ursuline’s predominantly female athletic program. While the conference granted a temporary waiver for the 2026-27 academic year, it has delayed a definitive vote on the college’s appeal, leaving staff and athletes in a state of administrative limbo.
Gannon University and Ursuline College Sue to Block Conference Expulsion
Gannon University and Ursuline College have filed a federal lawsuit in Cleveland to challenge the Great Midwest Athletic Conference’s decision to expel Ursuline following its acquisition by the Erie-based institution. The legal action aims to secure continued Division II eligibility for Ursuline’s student-athletes despite the conference’s ongoing resistance.
Conference leadership cites a conflict of interest, arguing that Gannon University President Walter Iwanenko should not hold seats on two conference boards simultaneously. However, the NCAA has already reviewed and approved the leadership structure, and Gannon officials maintain that similar arrangements exist in other athletic conferences. Gannon University President Walter Iwanenko warned that the expulsion sets a dangerous precedent for other private institutions facing potential mergers, suggesting that the move threatens the stability of the entire conference membership.
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