No Harm, No Foul

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Two former college basketball players are blowing the whistle on discrimination.

Earlier last month, while most of us were busy shopping and enjoying the holiday festivities, an important news story broke about two former women’s college basketball player are suing Pepperdine University for alleged discrimination.

Haley Videckis and Layana White left the university in December after bringing a 24-page complaint against their former coach, Ryan Weisenberg.

The complaint stated that Weisenberg discriminated against the women because of their sexuality, and that the coaching staff subjected them to rude and offensive questioning on a regular basis. It also said that Weisenberg told some members of the team “lesbianism” was “not tolerated” on the team.

It’s no secret that harsh discrimination against lesbian basketball players, especially on the college level, has been going on for years. And for years it has been quietly swept under the rug.

But many former players and coaches are coming forward to share their stories in order to bring this important issue to light.

In a world where two lesbians—Brittney Griner and Abby Wambach—are the most popular athletes in their respective sports, it’s hard to fathom how homophobia can still exist in a vacuum in women’s college basketball. This lawsuit has already garnered national attention and will hopefully further the conversation and help enact change.

Videckis and White are suing for discrimination, harassment, retaliation and more. Pepperdine made a public statement regarding the allegations and denies any wrongdoing occurred, though the university maintains that it is taking the lawsuit seriously.

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