AUSTIN, Texas — A former University of Texas at Austin women’s track and field coach, who was terminated last year, has filed a lawsuit against the university, claiming discrimination and retaliation.
The university fired Beverly Kearney, UT’s first African American head coach, following the revelation that she had engaged in a romantic relationship with one of her student-athletes. However, Kearney claims that she was subjected to a double standard, as other UT employees and coaches have engaged in similar activity with students and have not suffered the same repercussions, The Texas Tribune reports.
The lawsuit alleges that retaliation was the real reason for Kearney’s termination because the coach complained about discrimination she experienced at the university because of her race and gender.
The university issued a statement saying that it will review Kearney’s allegations and will respond through the proper legal channels.
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