An "amicable settlement" was reached yesterday in the discrimination lawsuit filed by former Penn State women's basketball player Jen Harris against Penn State, women's basketball coach Rene Portland and athletic director Tim Curley, according to a joint press release.

The terms of the settlement are confidential.

Harris accused Portland of discriminating against her on the basis of gender, race and anti-lesbian biases. Portland allegedly questioned Harris' sexual orientation and instructed her to "change her appearance so that she looked more 'feminine' and less distinctly African American," according to court documents. Harris, who has said she is not a lesbian, first reported claims against Portland on Oct. 11, 2005.

"I'm proud to have brought this case, and I'm thrilled that we have been able to resolve it," Harris said in a statement. "I look forward to putting this matter behind me and focusing on being the best student and basketball player I can be."

Harris now plays basketball for James Madison University.

Penn State, Curley and Portland have disputed Harris' allegations and denied liability with respect to the complaints filed against them, according to the press release.

"This has been a really important case, and this has had an impact on coaches and universities across the country," said Karen Doering, Harris' attorney who works for the National Center for Lesbian Rights. "This case has generated an unprecedented public dialogue."

Despite the magnitude of the case, settling out of court was always an option.

"The parties were able to come together with a meeting of the minds," Doering said. "There's no magic answer here, I guess. But the discovery phase of the case was coming to a close, and it just made sense to discuss the possibility of a settlement. I think that the possibility of a settlement has kind of existed the entire time."

On April 18, 2006, an internal investigation by Penn State's Affirmative Action Office found that Portland was in violation of the university's anti-discrimination policy on the basis of sexual orientation, and she was subsequently fined $10,000 in lieu of a one-game suspension and was required to attend sensitivity training. The report concluded that Portland created a "hostile, intimidating and offensive environment" for Harris.

"I believe the process that was used to reach these conclusions was flawed," Portland said at the time.

Yesterday, other than what was issued in the press release, Penn State officials denied commenting on the subject. In response to multiple questions, Penn State spokesman Bill Mahon deferred to the terms of the confidential agreement and did not comment further.

Portland's attorney, Jack Stover, said, "I don't think we have any other statement at this time."

Portland did not respond to a voice message left on her cell phone last night.

Doering did articulate one aspect of the settlement. She said "as part of the settlement, Penn State has taken additional steps to further protect the interest and well-being of student athletes and other members of the university."

Neither Doering nor Mahon would specify exactly what measures will be taken to safeguard students in the future.

Harris, who was told to leave the Penn State women's basketball team March 20, 2005, along with two other players, averaged 5.9 points, 1.7 rebounds and 17.2 minutes per game in two seasons at Penn State.

"Let me make absolutely clear that the only reason Jennifer Harris is no longer with the Lady Lions is because of her performance and attitude in relation to basketball," Portland said in a press release on Oct. 14, 2005.

At James Madison, Harris, who was sidelined at the start of season with an ankle injury, recently appeared in her first game.

"We're very pleased with the settlement, and Jennifer is looking forward to putting this experience behind her," Doering said.

Harris was issued a citation for stealing two shirts and two skirts, totally $69.96, from a store in Harrisburg on May 27.

Yesterday's settlement marks a bit of closure to something that's spanned years. Portland, who is in her 27th season as Penn State's head coach and has gone 603-232, has been noted before for making discriminatory remarks.

In 1986, Portland told the Chicago Sun-Times that she did not allow homosexuals on her teams.

In 1991, several former players and recruits told the Philadelphia Inquirer that Portland did not allow homosexuals on her teams. In the wake of the Inquirer's article, Penn State coaches had to attend a university-mandated workshop about gay and lesbian issues in collegiate athletics.

"It created quite a stir on campus," said Pat Griffin of the article. Griffin, who is currently the director of "It Takes a Team!" -- an education program for gay and lesbian issues in athletics -- spoke at the workshop.

"It was a very tense situation," Griffin said. "I ended up feeling that it was mostly window dressing so that the athletic department could say that they've done something."