Lawsuit Accuses Guilford College Of Discrimination In Female Athletic Programs

Guilford College is facing a federal discrimination lawsuit. Some students and coaches at the Greensboro school allege unequal treatment for female athletes.

The lawsuit accuses the school of offering more athletic participation opportunities for men than women. Guilford college provides the same number of teams for both. But the plaintiffs say the majority of student body is female, so proportionately, male athletes have more spots. They say up to 20 percent more. 

And Attorney Felice Duffy says that violates Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in educational institutions.

“What the complaint is also alleging is that they didn't provide an equal access and opportunity to have things like similar equipment and supplies, similar access to a number of locker rooms and competition facilities, similar access to recruiting,” says Duffy.

Duffy says the lawsuit also claims that two cross country coaches faced retaliation from the college for complaining about the alleged discrimination.

In a statement, Guilford College president Jane Fernandes says the school is aware of the lawsuit and the attorney is “misinformed” on many of the facts surrounding the case.

Fernandes says the school is committed to fair and equitable treatment and opportunities for all students. “We look forward to the opportunity to clarify the facts and to work toward justice in the outcome of this matter," adds Fernandes.

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