Coach Rene Portland Fined $10,000 for Anti-Gay Discrimination
by Pam Cole
April 20, 2006 - In a move widely perceived in the sports
world as a slap on the wrist, Lady Lions Coach Rene Portland was
fined $10,000 today by Pennsylvania State University for "violating
university policy in her treatment of a player who was perceived
to be a lesbian." The fine is in response to the suit filed
against Penn State and Portland by former Penn State basketball
player Jennifer Harris (see article). Harris,
in conjunction with the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR)
filed the lawsuit in December 2005, alleging the she was dismissed
from the team because Portland thought she was a lesbian. (Harris
is not a lesbian.)
"Given the damage done by Penn State and the personal sacrifice
of Jennifer Harris, the consequences faced by Rene Portland are
insulting and inadequate," said Kate Kendell, NCLR Executive
Director.
Sports writers agreed that the reprimand was a step in the right
direction, but many expressed surprise that Portland, who has been
open about her policy of "no gays on my team," was still
employed. "Replace the word 'gay' with black, Asian, Jew or
even overweight, and she would be cleaning out her desk today,"
wrote USA Today writer, Christine Brennan.
Penn State did tell Portland, as part of the reprimand, that if
she persisted in this type of anti-gay discrimination, she would
be fired. It seems that "three strikes and you're out"
only applies to baseball at Penn State--Portland has been making
anti-gay statements on the record since 1986. In fact, the original
disciplinary measure issued by the school's affirmative action office
consisted of a mere one-game suspension this fall for Portland.
Penn State President Graham B. Spanier imposed the $10,000 fine,
instead.
Appearing defiant and unremorseful at a press conference after
the announcement, Portland said she disagreed with the ruling and
that the conclusions were flawed. She also said she would continue
as coach next year--in her 27th season as the Lady Lions coach.
Penn State has apparently been happy with Portland all these years,
despite her vocal anti-gay discrimination. She is under contact
through 2009 and has a career record of 575-209. But the university's
own report into the lawsuit found that Portland "created a
hostile, intimidating, and offensive environment" for her team.
Yet, given her winning coaching record, they are willing to let
her continue in this role (minus a $10,000 fine against her multi-year,
six-figure salary).
"I am disappointed by this result," said Harris in an
NCLR statement. "Penn State did not take the allegations seriously
and does not appear interested in solving the underlying problem."
The lawsuit is set to go to a court-ordered mediation in mid-May
where, Portland insists, "my actions will be vindicated."
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