OFFICIAL MEAC STATEMENT

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Council of Chief Executive Officers announced today that Bethune-Cookman University and the other MEAC member institutions will suspend competition in fall sports until further notice.
 
Due to the significant challenges to campuses and communities posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the league presidents accepted the recommendation from the conference athletic directors and medical representatives regarding the suspension of all fall sports championship and non-championship competitions.

Bethune-Cookman University President Dr. E. LaBrent Chrite fully supported the league decision. "It is essential for us to suspend fall sports in order to protect the health and safety of all members of our community.  Athletic competition is an important part of B-CU's legacy and we do not make such a decision lightly. However, our overriding priority is to safely transition to an environment in which we can successfully, engage, educate and support our students. I stand with our colleagues across the MEAC in making this important decision in the best interest of the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff members. We will continue to work to create an academic environment in which all of our students and student-athletes can continue to thrive academically and athletically, in a safe and supportive environment."

"Since our founding, Bethune-Cookman and Wildcat Athletics have endured various challenges during wartime, economic downturns and even during hurricanes and severe weather issues indigenous to central Florida.  At this time, however, the impact and uncertainty associated with COVID-19 leaves us with no alternative to this action," said B-CU Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Lynn W. Thompson, who served as chair of the MEAC Forecasting Committee which led the research into the recommendations to the Council of Chief Executive Officers.

"The announcement today by the MEAC marks a historic moment for us.  Our mission and history is deeply rooted in serving the African American and other minority communities which are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Bethune-Cookman and the MEAC member institutions are committed to responding to ensure we have the correct measures in place to reduce exposure to this virus." Thompson continued.

Questions and decisions regarding winter and spring sports at B-CU and in the MEAC, and the rescheduling of games affected by this action will be made at a later date.

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