Penn State women's basketball coach Rene Portland released a statement yesterday denying allegations of racial discrimination raised in a complaint being filed with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.

The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) alleged on behalf of former Lady Lion Jen Harris that Portland discriminated against Harris because of her gender and race while she was a member of the team.

Harris was asked to leave the Lady Lions after the conclusion of last season and is now enrolled at James Madison University, where she is a member of its women's basketball team.

"I categorically and emphatically deny such allegations," Portland said in the statement. "My career has been built on treating all Lady Lion players with equal respect. I will continue to do so."

Laura Treaster, a commission spokeswoman, said the complaint is still in the filing stages and has not yet been docketed. Once all paperwork regarding the complaint has been received, which can take up to several days, the complaint will be docketed and served on the respondents, Treaster said.

The complaint names Portland, Penn State Athletic Director Tim Curley and the university as respondents.

"The dismissal of the former player raising these allegations was, and still is, a basketball decision and the result of my responsibility to do what is best for this team," Portland said in the statement. "Nothing else."

The NCLR and Harris have also alleged that Harris was discriminated against because of her perceived sexual orientation. Harris, who has said she is not a lesbian, alleged that Portland perceived Harris to be a lesbian. Portland has denied all allegations of anti-gay bias.

The university's Office of Affirmative Action has undertaken an investigation into the allegations of anti-gay bias. Penn State spokesman Bill Mahon said there was no new information to report regarding the investigation.

The commission does not have jurisdiction over sexual orientation discrimination, according to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.

According to the commission's mission statement, it is the role of commission to "assure equal opportunities to all individuals and to safeguard their rights to public accommodation ... regardless of race, color, familial status, religious creed, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, handicap or disability."

The complaint is a necessary step prior to any future legal proceedings in Pennsylvania. Harris and the NCLR must first file a complaint with the commission before pursuing a discrimination suit in state court.