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Keywords

tortplaintiffdefendantmotiondiscriminationcivil rights
motiondiscrimination

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Thomas v. University of Pittsburgh, Not Reported in F.Supp.3d, 2014 WL 3055361

Facts

Brittany M. Thomas, a former basketball player at the University of Pittsburgh, filed a civil rights and tort action against several defendants, including the University and its staff, alleging intentional discrimination based on sex and tortious conduct following a locker room assault. The incident occurred after a game on December 1, 2010, when Thomas was assaulted by teammate Jania Sims. Following the assault, Thomas was isolated by her coach, Agnus Berenato, and subsequently suspended from the team, while Sims received a lesser punishment. Thomas claims this treatment was discriminatory compared to male athletes who faced similar or worse allegations but were not suspended.

Issue

Did the University and its officials discriminate against Thomas based on her sex in violation of Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause?

Did the University and its officials discriminate against Thomas based on her sex in violation of Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause?

Rule

Under Title IX, no person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. The Equal Protection Clause prohibits states from treating individuals differently based on gender without a sufficient justification. To establish a claim, a plaintiff must show that they are a member of a protected class and received different treatment than similarly situated individuals.

Under Title IX, no person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. The Equal Protection Clause prohibits states from treating individuals differently based on gender without a sufficient justification.

Analysis

Thomas alleged that she was treated differently than male athletes who were not suspended despite facing serious allegations. The court found that her claims of disparate treatment based on gender were plausible, as she provided specific examples of male athletes who were not disciplined for similar or worse conduct.

Conclusion

The court denied the motions to dismiss, allowing Thomas's claims to proceed, indicating that there was sufficient evidence to suggest potential discrimination based on gender.

The court denied the motions to dismiss, allowing Thomas's claims to proceed, indicating that there was sufficient evidence to suggest potential discrimination based on gender.

Who won?

Brittany M. Thomas prevailed in her motion against the University and its officials, as the court found her allegations of gender discrimination plausible. The court emphasized that the treatment she received, particularly in comparison to male athletes, raised significant questions about the fairness of the disciplinary actions taken against her. The court's decision to deny the motions to dismiss indicates that Thomas's claims warranted further examination in court.

Brittany M. Thomas prevailed in her motion against the University and its officials, as the court found her allegations of gender discrimination plausible.

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