A federal appeals panel ruled that five women who filed a discrimination lawsuit based on Title IX against Louisiana State University can seek unlimited monetary damages damages from the university.
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that LSU’s athletic department intentionally violated Title IX, the federal law that requires equal opportunities for male and female college athletes. LSU athletic director Joe Dean was quoted during the trial referring to one of the plaintiffs as “honey,” “sweetie” and “cutie.” Dean also told one plaintiff that if he was forced to start one women’s sport on campus, he would choose soccer because players “look good in their shorts.”
The federal appeals court also ordered a reconsideration of U.S. District Judge Rebecca Doherty’s decision to deny the lawsuit class action status.
