tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14215370.post113527955133385762..comments2023-10-31T07:29:17.510-07:00Comments on = LNews =: Feds Go After Lesbian-Baiting CoachLNewsEditorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15516265929045096334noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14215370.post-1135279618468372842005-12-22T11:26:00.000-08:002005-12-22T11:26:00.000-08:00JIC Post:From 365Gay.com(Philadelphia, Pennsylvani...JIC Post:<BR/>From 365Gay.com<BR/><BR/>(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) A former Penn State women's basketball star Wednesday filed a federal lawsuit against coach Rene Portland, charging her with violating numerous federal and state laws and the Constitution.<BR/><BR/>Jennifer Harris, a 6 foot guard played on Penn State's Lady Lions basketball team from 2003 to 2005.<BR/><BR/>Harris alleges that Portland repeatedly questioned her about her sexual orientation, repeatedly threatened to kick Harris off the team if she found out Harris was a lesbian, and eventually told other players not to associate with Harris because she believed that Harris was gay.<BR/><BR/>In 2005, Coach Portland abruptly told Harris to find somewhere else to play. Harris transferred to James Madison University.<BR/><BR/>Harris, who is not gay, is represented by the National Center for Lesbian Rights. The suit names Portland, Athletic Director Tim Curley, and Penn State as defendants.<BR/><BR/>It alleges they violated federal and state laws and constitutional protections prohibiting discrimination based on race, gender, and sexual orientation. <BR/><BR/>In addition to seeking damages, Harris asks the court to order Penn State to conduct mandatory non-discrimination training for all athletic department employees, as well as create new policies to help student athletes report discrimination without fear of retaliation.<BR/><BR/>Harris already has filed a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission against Portland and the university. <BR/><BR/>Last week two other former players on Penn State's women's basketball team have come forward to accuse Portland of making disparaging comments about lesbians. <BR/><BR/>Courtney Wicks, who played on the Lady Lions from 1996 - 1997, and Cindy Davies who played for Penn State in 1980, say that they also heard Portland make accusations about lesbians.<BR/><BR/>Davies who is a lesbian and Wicks who has a lesbian sister made the allegations on ESPN in a program looking into allegations made by former player Jennifer Harris.<BR/><BR/>Harris has now taken her high-powered game to James Madison University where she is coached by Kenny Brooks. Because of NCAA transfer rules, Harris must sit out the 2005-2006 season before she is eligible to play her junior and senior seasons.LNewsEditorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15516265929045096334noreply@blogger.com