Lesbian Track Coach Alleges Discrimination

Bev Kearney

A lesbian track coach who was forced out of her position at University of Texas for having a relationship with a female athlete in 2002 has filed a complaint against the university for discrimination on the basis of race, gender, and sexual orientation.

Bev Kearney filed a complaint last week with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, according to the Dallas Voice. She coached the team to six NCAA track championships since she took the position in 1993. Kearney, a black lesbian, was put on leave at the end of last year but decided to leave her position officially in January after news surfaced that she was in a relationship with one of the female athletes (who, at the time, was of age).

However, UT assistant football coach Major Applewhite, who is white and male, had an inappropriate relationship with a student trainer during a bowl trip in 2008. He was reprimanded by the athletic director, and his pay was frozen for a year.

“We think there is a double standard at the University of Texas, giving men the opportunity to engage in inappropriate relationships without fear of being caught or punished,” Kearney attorney Derek Howard said Saturday, according to the Voice.