DSU and equestrian recruit settle Title IX lawsuit

Canadian rider Melia Blakely has settled her Title IX lawsuit against Delaware State University.

Canadian rider Melia Blakely has settled her Title IX lawsuit against Delaware State University.

DSU and Blakely’s lawyer Ron Poliquin released a joint statement announcing the settlement:

“Delaware State University entered into an agreement to resolve all claims filed in the United States District Court by Melia Blakely, an accomplished young athlete who had been recruited to attend DSU and participate on its equestrian team next year. DSU denies any wrongdoing in this matter, but both parties agree that the terms of the settlement were fair and just to all parties. The details of the settlement are confidential. Ms. Blakely looks forward to continuing her stellar equestrian career at the NCAA Division I level and DSU wishes her the best in her future endeavors.”

Blakely sued DSU in February shortly after Delaware State announced it was dropping its equestrian program at the end of the school year for budgetary reasons.

Blakely’s suit was followed by a similar suit from current team members.  That suit continues despite DSU’s decision to keep the team one more year.