Judge dismisses former coaches lawsuit against University of Minnesota Duluth
Jen Banford and Annette Wiles claimed they were forced out of the university due to discrimination and a hostile work environment. 7:44 pm, Apr. 22, 2021 ×
Former University of Minnesota Duluth coaches Annette Wiles (left) and Jen Banford. (File / News Tribune)
A federal judge on Thursday dismissed the remaining claims filed against the University of Minnesota Duluth by two former women s sports coaches.
In granting the university s motion for summary judgment, U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz said a reasonable jury could not conclude that Jen Banford and Annette Wiles lost their jobs as a result of being openly gay.
Judge dismisses former coaches lawsuit against University of Minnesota Duluth
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Judge dismisses former coaches lawsuit against University of Minnesota Duluth
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Fox21Online
April 22, 2021
DULUTH, Minn.-A federal judge has tossed a lawsuit against UMD by two former coaches claiming they faced discrimination due to their sexual orientation.
Jen Banford, the former head softball coach and director of hockey operations, and Annette Wiles, the former women’s basketball coach, had initially filed the claim saying they also experienced a hostile work environment.
The judge said:
“The uncontroverted facts also show that neither coach was constructively discharged because the University never intended to terminate and actively sought to retain Banford as head coach of softball and likewise intended to retain Wiles. Furthermore, neither Banford nor Wiles experienced workplace hostility based on sexual orientation, and their allegations fall far short of the severe and pervasive conduct needed to sustain either a hostile work environment or constructive discharge claim.”