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Maryland suspends club tennis team after KKK imagery found

By Drooid · Oct 13, 2026, 5:02 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Maryland Suspends Tennis

University of Maryland suspended the club tennis team after KKK imagery appeared in documents.
Howard University club tennis president Toni Rachal discovered KKK graphic in a Google document before invitational.
Maryland forfeited its tournament matches while other schools continued competing.
University officials referred the case to campus police and Student Conduct.
Howard’s team demanded an investigation, apologies, and donation of proceeds to the Museum of African American History and Culture.

Summary

Club Posts Montage

The club posted a Virginia tournament montage on Instagram and promised a spring return.
Recreation and Wellness director Brent Flynn oversees 48 university club-sport teams, including tennis.
Last year’s home invitational featured 16 regional teams from six states and 57 UMD players.
The Division I varsity tennis program remained unaffected by the club’s suspension.
Club policy permits any interested undergraduate to join regardless of skill level.

History

Historical Context

President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act on July 2, 1964 after the Senate approved it 73-27 on June 19, ending a long filibuster. The law barred discrimination in public institutions and gave the federal government enforcement authority. Today, University of Maryland’s suspension of its club tennis team over a KKK graphic invokes that mandate, reminding campuses of the Act’s ongoing compliance requirements.

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Maryland Suspends Tennis

University of Maryland suspended the club tennis team after KKK imagery appeared in documents.
Howard University club tennis president Toni Rachal discovered KKK graphic in a Google document before invitational.
Maryland forfeited its tournament matches while other schools continued competing.
University officials referred the case to campus police and Student Conduct.
Howard’s team demanded an investigation, apologies, and donation of proceeds to the Museum of African American History and Culture.

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