Florida University Settles Title IX Case, AD Resigns
The case filed against Florida Gulf Coast University by the former volleyball coach and the former women’s golf coach alleged retaliation for their Title IX complaints.
This began 18 months ago when these women went to then interim-FGCU Athletic Director Merrily Dean Baker to express concerns about gender equity issues. Baker said she never imagined and the coaches never intended for this to turn into litigation or a landmark settlement. She said there are millions of reasons why FGCU officials were in the wrong.
FGCU Athletic Director Carl McAloose resigned in the wake of the settlement.
This began 18 months ago when these women went to then interim-FGCU Athletic Director Merrily Dean Baker to express concerns about gender equity issues. Baker said she never imagined and the coaches never intended for this to turn into litigation or a landmark settlement. She said there are millions of reasons why FGCU officials were in the wrong.
"Why would you give $3.4 million?" Baker said. "I know the university broke laws."
"I think those women have been terribly wronged and I think justice has been served," she said. "It took a lot of courage for them to address issues they thought were important."
"I learned as a young kid that if I did something wrong it was better to fess up to it," Baker said. "The University should have just said they were wrong. It is easier to heal when you admit your faults."FGCU Athletic Director Carl McAloose resigned in the wake of the settlement.
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