Franklin Connection - Serving Franklin County, WA

CHENEY – Eastern Washington University and its athletic director, Lynn Hickey, are being sued by basketball coach Wendy Schuller.

The lawsuit accuses the university and Hickey of age and gender discrimination.

In a court filing Feb. 7, Schuller’s legal representatives outlined factors for the lawsuit.

Among them are a pattern and practice of age and sex discrimination in employment, and in education and athletic opportunities, unequal pay, and unequal access and inadequate women’s facilities, according to Spokane County Superior Court documents.

The lawsuit alleges Hickey harbored a “discriminatory animus” toward Schuller, evidenced by several events and behaviors detailed.

It also alleges Schuller and many other qualified applicants were passed over for the senior women’s administrator position in favor of a “less qualified” person with “no experience” as a coach.

Schuller is suing for emotional distress and compensatory damages, including lost wages, front pay, and lost benefits.

A status conference is scheduled for May 5.