June 20, 2024

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For Immediate Release

For Media Inquiries, Contact: Tyler Boyd, HCU General Counsel, (281) 649-3209 or [email protected]

HOUSTON, June 20, 2024 - Houston Christian University, a small liberal arts college in the NCAA's Southland Conference, has filed a motion to intervene in the NCAA's settlement with Power 5 conferences over Name, Image and Likeness damages. The motion was filed in the U.S. District Court of Northern California, Oakland Division.

The motion contends that the $2.8 billion proposed settlement will divert monies earmarked for the core educational missions of colleges and universities to Division 1 sports, which are already losing millions of dollars per year. This will in turn harm students who already are struggling with rising student debt and increased graduation times. The suit alleges that the most severe impact is on minority students.

Located in the country's fourth-largest city, Houston Christian University is one of the most diverse private universities in the United States with more than 90% of current students receiving financial aid.

The settlement was made "without adequately representing HCU's interests, much less the interests of those whom HCU serves," the motion says. The settlement will "cause the diversion of funds from the core mission of research and education, and thereby raise costs for students and reduce institutions' investment in higher education. That will reduce education accessibility and lower educational opportunity, particularly for marginalized and underserved populations."

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