A decision to demote the lacrosse programs at Montclair State University to club status is causing controversy.

University officials said the decision to transition the programs from an NCAA Division III program to club status was not an easy one. They cited strained financial resources and the realigning of athletics and recreation sports at Montclair to be more inclusive led to the decision.

The teams have received support from a local congressman, former alumni and through a change.org online petition to reinstate the sport at a varsity level.

Now if Athletes want to continue playing lacrosse at a college varsity level, they will have to transfer to another school after this season.

"I've been playing this sport since I was 7 years old, so it feels like your whole life is crumbling down," said Kaya Nascimento, a sophomore defender.

"How are you going to make it inclusive when your kicking 80 people out of the school who have dedicated their time to committing to this school, putting up the grades and representing Montclair athletics?" said Patick Bourke, a junior defender.

Despite doing away with the lacrosse programs, the university announced that it will launch a NCAA Division III women’s flag football program.

The changes will not take effect until the fall 2025.