The discrimination lawsuit brought by former Penn State University basketball player Jennifer Harris against women’s coach Rene Portland, the university and athletic director Tim Curley has been settled out of court.
The Background
Harris filed a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission in 2005, alleging that she discriminated against because of her perceived sexual orientation and race.
Harris gained a lot of attention, primarily because of the support she received from The National Center for Lesbian Rights. The NCLR broke the story of her alleged forced departure from PSU to James Madison University when it issued a press release on October 11, 2005 entitled “NCLR Asks Penn State to Stop Decades of Anti-Gay Harassment by Women’s Basketball Coach Rene Portland.”
In the release, Harris was quoted as saying:
“Because Coach Portland thought that I was gay, I was treated in a very demeaning manner. Coach Portland created an offensive, hostile and intimidating learning environment for players she believed were gay. She created divisiveness on the team by instructing players not to associate with other players she believed to be gay, or they would be kicked off the team also.”
In her complaint, however, Harris identified a “pattern of ongoing harassment” that started in early 2004. Specifically, she claimed that other black players were forced off the team or harassed “more harshly than other players because of their race and what coach Portland perceived to be their nonconformity to out-of-date gender stereotypes.”
Harris was represented by the NCLR as well as Sharon F. McKee of Hangley Aronchick Segal & Pudlin.
In a public statement back then on the issue, Portland denied the allegations. “First and foremost, let me make absolutely clear that the only reason Jennifer Harris is no longer with the Lady Lions is because of her performance and attitude in relation to basketball.”
Recent Statement about Settlement
Harris and the defendants issued a joint statement, announcing a confidential settlement agreement that resolved all of the legal issues.
“The parties are pleased to announce they have reached an amicable settlement of actions filed by Jennifer E. Harris against The Pennsylvania State University; Penn State’s athletic director, Timothy Curley; and Penn State’s women’s basketball coach, Rene Portland. The terms of the settlement agreement are confidential.
“Ms. Harris, a former Penn State women’s basketball player, filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Ms. Harris also filed Complaints with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.
“Penn State, Mr. Curley and Coach Portland have disputed Ms. Harris’ allegations and have denied any liability with respect to the complaints filed against them. Ms. Harris has agreed to permanently withdraw and end her legal actions against all parties.”
The release went on to highlight the current status of both Harris and Portland, who recently earned her 600th win as head coach of the Lady Lions, “a record of wins at a single university achieved by only 8 other Division I coaches.”
It finished with the following:
“Penn State has a longstanding commitment to create and maintain an academic and work environment that fosters respect for others and is free of discrimination of any kind, including harassment. The University is a national leader with respect to its policies in this regard and intends to continue to play a leadership role.”
In a statement about the recent settlement, Doering indicated, in a statement, that the school had agreed to take steps to protect student-athletes and others at Penn State.
“These steps will help all students who believe they may be experiencing discriminatory treatment,” she said. “Jennifer would not have settled the case if she did not believe that Penn State is committed to protecting student-athletes and to enforcing its nondiscrimination policies.”
