According to the results of an internal university investigation, Penn State women's basketball coach Rene Portland discriminated against a former player on the basis of sexual orientation, violating the university's anti-discrimination policy.
Portland announced yesterday she would return next season as head coach, and a university statement released yesterday said Portland will be fined $10,000 in lieu of a one-game suspension. If she is found in violation of Penn State's anti-discrimination policy again, she will be dismissed.
The university investigation into whether Portland discriminated against former Lady Lion Jen Harris on the basis of race and sexual
orientation concluded that Portland created a "hostile, intimidating, and offensive environment," according to the university statement.
The investigation also found that Portland did not discriminate against Harris on the basis of race, as Harris had previously alleged.
Reading from a prepared statement at a 1 p.m. press conference, Portland said her decision to return was "a decision of my own," but she expressed doubts over the results of the investigation.
"I believe the process that was used to reach these conclusions was flawed," Portland said.
Ken Lehrman, who conducted the investigation as head of the Affirmative Action Office, said, "I really don't have any idea" what discrepancies in the process to which Portland could be referring.
The university's internal investigation took more than six months, dating back to last fall, and Karen Doering, Harris' attorney, acknowledged that she provided about 10 witnesses for Lehrman to contact. As to other specifics regarding the investigation, Lehrman would not comment.
"The investigation was thorough and completely comprehensive," Lehrman said.
In a statement released by the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), Harris said, "I am disappointed by this result. Penn State did not take the allegations seriously and does not appear interested in solving the underlying problem."
Doering commended Lehrman on the manner in which he handled the investigation, but she said she found the sanctions against Portland to be "inadequate."
"I don't always think that it is appropriate to give someone three chances," Doering said. "It's offensive; Jen is offended, and I think many of the former players are offended."
Penn State Assistant Sports Information Director Erin Whiteside confirmed that "by remaining head coach, [Portland] is aware that she is expected to comply with the actions made by [Penn State] President [Graham] Spanier."
The $10,000 fine will be deducted from Portland's paycheck. The fine was levied as a form of sanction "that was more immediate," according to the university statement. Spanier issued a written reprimand, which will permanently remain on Portland's official personnel file. Portland has also been ordered to attend diversity training.
For a three-year period, NCAA-mandated exit interviews of Lady Lions basketball players will be conducted by Penn State's Affirmative Action Office.
"They threw in good changes, but they left in place a coach that is still in denial that her behavior has to change," Doering said.
Portland was found in violation of Penn State policy AD-42, which "prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, sexual orientation, and other personal characteristics," according to the university statement. Harris has stated that she is not a lesbian.
Regarding the claims of discrimination brought against her, Portland maintained that, "I was confronted with what I continue to believe are unfounded claims that I caused a player to leave the Lady Lions team because of her race and alleged perceptions of her sexual orientation."
