Gender Discrimination Lawsuit Filed by Former Harvard Women’s Hockey Coach Should Proceed, Judge Recommends
Katey Stone, a former ice hockey coach for The Harvard Crimson’s women’s team, filed sex discrimination claims against the University in July 2024; magistrate judge recently recommended that the court allow most of her claims to proceed.
Despite Harvard University’s attempts to dismiss discrimination claims against it, former hockey coach Katey Stone gets closer to justice as her case moves forward. Federal magistrate judge Jennifer C. Boal recommended to the district judge that her case continue to be heard, preserving most of Stone’s claims.
In July of last year, Stone filed a gender discrimination lawsuit against the University claiming that Harvard paid her less than her male counterparts and that administration officials forced her to retire due to allegations of misconduct that she claims were false. Stone had led the women’s ice hockey team for 29 years before the investigation led to her unfairly forced retirement. She maintains that the investigation—and her pay—would have been handled differently if she were a male coach.
According to the complaint, Stone claims that Harvard Athletic Director Erin McDermott told her that “this wouldn’t be happening to a men’s coach”—suggesting gender-based discrimination. Stone also accused Harvard of gender-based pay discrimination, saying she was paid “at an egregiously lesser scale” compared to the men’s ice hockey coach. She contends that the University refused to disclose the compensation paid to male and female coaches, and claims she was “the victim of a targeted attack by the University.”
Anti-Discrimination Laws and Your Rights
Discrimination is unfair treatment because of someone’s race, gender, sexual orientation, age, or other protected class. There are many state and federal laws that protect individuals in these protected groups. Under U.S. anti-discrimination laws, you cannot be discriminated against on the basis of:
- Gender/Gender identity
- Age
- Race
- Religion
- Disability
- Pregnancy
- National origin
- Genetic information
- Sexual orientation
- Military status
State and federal laws prohibit discrimination and protect your rights in many ways, including:
- Employment discrimination
- Education or school-based discrimination
- Housing discrimination (including renting, buying or other housing-related activities)
- Health care discrimination
- Discrimination by financial institutions
The attorneys at G&E are experienced in handling discrimination cases. If you need a lawyer because you believe you have been wrongfully discriminated against, contact our legal team today.
Were You Discriminated Against Because of Your Gender? Speak to Our Attorneys About Your Potential Discrimination Claim Today
If you believe you have been discriminated against based on your gender, talk to a lawyer experienced in discrimination lawsuits to determine if you have a case. You have rights under United States anti-discrimination laws, and may be eligible to bring a discrimination claim against the individual or entity that discriminated against you.
