[EricH]

I'm with Ether on this. The school hasn't weighed in, except through their business manager. Let's let them weigh in.

If the team splits entirely from the school, and the school does not release the money/return it to the sponsors, and does the same for tools and parts, then would be a really good time to ramp up the pressure. However, I think the media spotlight they're in will prompt an explanation from the school. I don't expect that it'll change their mind, but we'll all at least know both sides of the disagreement.