American International College (AIC) has fired Peter Lang as head coach of the women’s rugby program. AIC is a member of the National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA), the league for institutions that sponsor NCAA rugby.
In fall 2015, AIC elevated the women’s rugby club program to varsity status under then-coach Dimitri Efthimiou, who did not return for the 2016 season. In September 2016, Lang was named head coach and remained in the role through fall 2017. The Yellow Jackets finished last season at the NIRA quarterfinals, ranked seventh, losing to Dartmouth.
The following is a statement from former AIC coach Peter Lang:
I attended a meeting with American International College HR’s department at 4pm, Wednesday January 24th where I was informed that my employment at the college was terminated with immediate effect. Present at the meeting was Debra Rico – Human resources Manager and Jeffrey Bednarz – Associate Vice President for Auxiliary Services.
At the same time that meeting was happening, Matthew Johnson, the Athletic Director at AIC met with the AIC Women’s Rugby captains. The captains were under the impression that they were meeting with Mr. Johnson to discuss concerns they had raised with AIC’s Title IX coordinator on unequal treatment in violation of Title IX which I had strongly supported and advocated for in my discussions with the administration. The meeting was, in fact, to inform them that my employment had been terminated by AIC.
During my meeting with HR, at 4.08pm, an email was sent out to a number of recruits regarding the situation.
I was handed a check and some other documents and left the campus.
My main concern at this time is the student-athletes of the AIC Women’s Rugby team who this affects most and the recruits who have committed to AIC Women’s Rugby for the following season.
This is now a legal mater and is being handled by my lawyers.