July 11, 2020
Dear Tuskegee Community:
After carefully considering the health risks of the COVID-19 pandemic to our community, the recommendations of public health experts, and the July 9 vote by Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association member institutions to suspend fall competitions, Tuskegee has decided to suspend all of our fall 2020 sports, including football, cross country, and volleyball.
This was not an easy decision for us to make. We are acutely aware of the negative impact this decision will have on student athletes, families, coaches, alumni, and the many fans and supporters of our athletic programs. However, as Tuskegee carries on our mission during these unprecedented times, we are committed to doing everything we possibly can to help protect the health of our students, faculty, and staff. Because athletes are particularly vulnerable to being exposed to COVID-19 given their close contact with other players, we did not want to take any unnecessary risks with their health and well-being.
Although our student athletes will not be competing this semester, we will continue to support them. We will honor all athletic scholarships and obligations; work with the SIAC and NCAA to extend eligibility; and work with our athletic staff to devise a strength and conditioning regimen to help our athletes stay fit and be prepared for future play and competition. While these measures cannot replace the anticipation and excitement of an upcoming season of competition, we hope they reflect to our athletes how much we value them and their contributions.
Like you, I will miss Golden Tiger sports, Homecoming, and the almighty “Ball and Parlay.” But for the University to continue to thrive, we all must cooperate in a culture of shared responsibility to help safeguard and benefit the greater Tuskegee community. My hope is that there will soon be a vaccine to help prevent this lethal virus and that we will be able to safely resume our athletic programs next year.
Thank you for all you do to support Mother Tuskegee.
Lily D. McNair, Ph.D.
President
