Three former University of Minnesota Duluth female coaches have filed a discrimination lawsuit against the school.
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Miller coached Canada to a gold medal at the 1997 IIHF World Women’s Championship and silver at the 1998 Nagano Olympics. Miller, 51, and Wiles, 46, also allege age discrimination.
In the lawsuit, Miller alleges that she regularly experienced hostility toward Canadians by University officials.
The lawsuit notes that Miller, Banford and Wiles are all openly gay, and that openness played a role in their departures.
The Duluth News Tribune reports the women are suing over discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation.
The lawsuit claims all three coaches were subject to discrimination in various forms from university athletic director Josh Berlo, hired in 2013. Last week, when the coaches announced the scheduling of Monday’s news conference, UMD released a statement to media.
“Throughout the process, the issues brought to our attention were handled professionally and appropriately”.
UMD Chancellor Lendley Black says the school continues to refute the allegations and will “aggressively” defend itself. “I support the leadership, direction and positive momentum of UMD Bulldog athletics”.
“UMD continues its focus and commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion, and I am personally committed to continuing an environment where diversity is embraced”, he said.
Miller served as head coach of the Bulldog women’s hockey team for 16 years, and helped lead them to five NCAA national championships.
Black later stated in a letter to state lawmakers in February that besides the financial considerations, other factors went into the decision.
It also says the women were paid less and had smaller budgets than their male counterparts on the men’s hockey, baseball and basketball teams. She was offered a one-year contract to remain women’s softball coach, but declined. Banford coached the softball team for 10 seasons and lead them to four NCAA tournament appearances.
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The lawsuit also accuses the university of unlawfully retaliating against the women for reporting that other school employees harassed them because they were lesbians, and of creating a hostile work environment that made it hard to do their jobs.
