Three women, who formerly served as head coaches at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, have filed a federal lawsuit against the university. The women allege that they were fired due to their gender and sexual orientation. Two of the women also say that the decision to fire them also was made in part because they are Canadians and two women allege that the decision to fire them also factored in their age.
The women allege that they faced a hostile working environment and were shunned by administrators in the athletics department. The women were head coaches of the women’s ice hockey, basketball and softball teams.
Lendley Black, chancellor of the University of Minnesota Duluth issued a statement refuting the allegations and saying the university would “aggressively defend” itself against the charges. Chancellor Black stated that the university “continues its focus and commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion, and I am personally committed to continuing an environment where diversity is embraced.”