Mayor Mitch Landrieu and City Council Vice-President Arnie Fielkow Support
Senate Resolution to Suspend UNO Athletics Reclassification
June 15, 2011 – New Orleans, LA –Mayor Mitch Landrieu and City Councilmember-at-Large Arnie Fielkow applaud the Senate and House Education Committees for the passage of Senate Resolution No. 68. Co-authored by Senators Conrad Appel and Edwin Murray, the resolution urges the UNO administration to suspend the reclassification process with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and remain in Division I until such time as independent review of such reclassification is conducted and a recommendation is made to the university’s management board.
“I applaud Senators Appel and Murray for bringing this very important issue before the Senate and House Committee on Education. The current debate regarding the future governance of UNO and the pending selection of a permanent Chancellor are critical decisions that should have an impact on the long-term direction of UNO’s athletic program. Athletics at the university level have a direct impact on the academic and economic well-being of the school, and it is my hope that the UNO administration halts the reclassification process until further review,” said Councilman Fielkow.
“Improving the state of higher education in New Orleans is critical to our city’s success, and collegiate athletic departments plays an integral role in that development,” said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “Ongoing discussions about UNO’s future governance should conclude before final actions are taken on athletic reclassification so that all the pertinent parties can properly assess the situation.”
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Contact:
Danielle Viguerie
Office of Councilmember-at-Large Arnie Fielkow
Office: 504-658-1063
daviguerie@nola.gov
Contact:
Ryan Berni
Office of Mayor Mitch Landrieu
Office: 504-658-4992
Cell: 504-621-9504
