Penn State women's basketball coach Rene Portland has left a legacy of shattered college careers for those she thought to be lesbians ("PSU finds Portland in violation of policy," April 19). For over 20 years, this has been widely known. Some are able to speak publicly about it now, others may never be able to do so. Portland remains unrepentant. I hope she does change, but the time for her to do so on the university's dime has long passed.

While I would never fault someone for expressing compassion toward any person who is experiencing public humiliation, I pray that some of that compassion be directed toward the women whose young adult lives were painfully disrupted by the discrimination and humiliation they experienced at Portland's hands. The university's first obligation is to the students. Portland should not be given another chance to harm them. Penn State should use the money it receives from Portland's fine to help achieve true equal treatment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students, and Penn State should match it.

I extend my thanks to Jennifer Harris, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the former players who spoke out or provided information, and all of the students, faculty, staff and citizens who protested and continue to speak out for equal treatment for all human beings.