Eugene, Ore. –A woman who accused three University of Oregon basketball players of gang raping her in March filed a lawsuit Thursday.
She’s suing the university and head basketball coach Dana Altman.
“We never like to be in litigation with our students so it’s unfortunate but it wasn’t a surprise,” said Scott Coltrane, Interim University President.
The student — who goes by “Jane Doe” in the suit — claims the university and coach Altman violated Title Nine laws by recruiting a player with a history of sexual violence.
The suit also claims the university failed to complete a timely investigation of the plaintiffs claims back in march prioritizing winning basketball games, over the safety of students.
“We dispute the specifics of the case and we disagree with the claims and we’re fairly confident in our chances,” said Coltrane.
The plaintiff also claims former Oregon basketball player Brandon Austin was the clear instigator of the quote “gang rape” and that head coach Dana Altman and the university were fully aware of Austin’s history. Austin’s mom is quoted in the suit saying “we told them everything, they knew everything.”
“Coach Altman and our athletic director both spoke to these issues last spring, it’s my understanding they had no knowledge, that the former institution said he was in good standing and they wanted him back,” continued Coltrane.
The lawsuit also states the university accessed the plaintiffs confidential counseling records without authorization. The defendant is asking for reimbursement and pre-payment for all tuition. Expenses incurred as a result of the sexual assault and damages for emotional pain and suffering.
The suit also asks the university to re-examine their Title Nine practices and enforce a comprehensive sexual harassment policy and adopt a *real* zero tolerance policy.
This case has put Oregon at the forefront of a nationwide discussion of sexual violence on college campuses.
“They did shed a light, I mean these are bad events and we don’t want anything like this to happen to any of our students ever, so I think we’re out in front of it but we have some work to do,” said Coltrane.
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