IUSF ruling challenged by team, BSU over racial issues

A controversial ruling by the IU Student Foundation last week questioned the eligibility of the men's Little 500 team, Team Major Taylor. The team challenged the IUSF ruling, which will be decided this week. If IUSF continues with their original decision on the matter, it will disqualify Team Major Taylor from the 2002 race. Speculation surrounds a rider who might have had too much riding experience to race in this intermural event. \nAccording to the rules specified by IUSF, Team Major Taylor does not qualify because of one rider's affiliation with the United States Cycling Federation (USCF). The rules state that "any rider who has held, presently holds, or will hold a (USCF) category I or II license by April 18, 2002 shall be deemed ineligible by the Little 500," according to Section II of the Little 500 Rules of Eligibility manual.\nFreshman Joshua Weir, who rode two of the four laps for Team Major Taylor during qualifications, presented eligibility questions, according to an IUSF press release from March 29. \nWeir provided documentation stating that he was eligible under IUSF standards, an IUSF press release said. Further information uncovered by IUSF indicated that Weir was not a valid rider under Section II of the IUSF Rules of Eligibility.\nWeir participated at the United States Olympic Team Trials for track cycling in 2000, according to cbs.sportsline.com. The site lists Weir as a sixth-place finisher in the match sprint (200-meter time trial) and eighth in the final standings. Weir also participated in events in Australia and Minnesota.\nIUSF confirmed Team Major Taylor's eligibility for competition before qualifications from documentation provided by Weir that said he was a category III rider. After receiving additional information after qualifications leading IUSF to believe Weir was a category I or II rider, IUSF declared Weir ineligible under Little 500 rules. \nTeam Major Taylor rider, freshman Kurtis Bishop, would not comment for this story and said the team had decided they would not comment at this time.\nAfter receiving notice they could be disqualified, Team Major Taylor supporters pointed fingers at IUSF for questioning the team's eligibility because of racial issues. Team Major Taylor, a three member team, is one of the first minority teams to ride in Little 500 in the last five years. Supporters of the team e-mailed the IDS stating that Team Major Taylor's third place qualification time gave IUSF motivation to look into the team further.\n"Rules are rules and we understand that, but at the same time I think that they apply the rules when it's convenient," Team Major Taylor supporter and junior Sophia Smith said. "It's a good chance for a minority team to break through and do well. We want Team Major Taylor to know there are people that are supporting them and they have people behind them. \n"This is the chance to bring minorities into the event and all minority students should be involved in all events on this campus."\nOther groups have joined the campaign for Team Major Taylor. The Black Student Union sent an e-mail educating members of the group on the situation. In the e-mail obtained by the IDS, Carolyn Randolph, BSU Vice President of Political Action, stated the reason for IUSF's question of Weir's eligibility.\n"These young men, consisting of a team of Blacks and Hispanics, came onto the track and placed third. They SCARED some people. These Brothers showed IU that it is time for Blacks and Hispanics to enter into a new arena where people of color seldom enter. And these Brothers proved that they are good and ready to snatch a victory from the hands of people who thought they weren't capable."\nRandolph has planned protests at the Wilcox House, the IUSF's offices, for Monday and Tuesday. \nIUSF will hold an arbitration hearing for Team Major Taylor Wednesday.