Iowa settles for $6.5 million

The University of Iowa will reportedly pay $6.5 million to avoid further litigation in the discrimination lawsuits filed by former associate athletic director Jane Meyer and former field hockey coach Tracey Griesbaum.  Griesbaum's lawsuit, which had been scheduled for trial next month, alleged that she was wrongfully terminated and that the athletic director had a pattern of firing female coaches. Meyer, Griesbaum's partner, successfully convinced a jury earlier this month that she was fired in retaliation for complaining about that and other examples of sex discrimination within the department. The jury had awarded Meyer $1.45 million, but this amount was subject to increase if the court decided to award punitive damages. Under the settlement, Meyer will instead receive $2.33 million, Griesbaum $1.49 million, and their attorneys, $2.68 million.

As the settlement only affects litigation, it does not affect the ongoing investigation by the Department of Education into claims that the university violated the Title IX rights of Griesbaum's athletes when it fired their coach.