Howard University (HU) officials issued a statement April 4, stating the school is conducting an internal investigation of possible NCAA rules-violations.
As a result of this process, the University temporarily withheld a number of student-athletes from competition as a self-imposed action. Most teams will compete as scheduled and university officials are working diligently to fully resolve this matter as quickly as possible.
"This is a self-imposed action while the University conducts a review," said HU spokeswoman Kerry-Ann Hamilton. "We are working quickly to review this issue."
HU is a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). The University, located in Northwest D.C., has 17 athletic teams which include six spring sports that are currently in season and affected by the suspension. They are the men's and women's track and field, men's and women's tennis, softball and women's lacrosse teams.
HU is a historically black, federally chartered school. The suspension of athletic activity sent shockwaves throughout the campus, where sports are heavily supported.
The University did not provide details for its decision. However, a source that chose to remain anonymous, indicated that a senior athletic administrator stated that HU is investigating a possible violation of NCAA rules relating to athletes who had been given textbook vouchers.