Iowa State University released a statement responding to a lawsuit filed by former women’s basketball player Nichole Moody.
The lawsuit filed in Polk County District Court against the State of Iowa, Iowa State University and women’s head basketball coach Bill Fennelly alleges race discrimination and retaliation.
The statement from ISU says the university takes very seriously complaints of discrimination and harassment. It says Moody made complaints to the Iowa State Athletic Department one year ago and she was referred to the university’s Office of Equal Opportunity, which thoroughly reviewed her complaints in the context of university discrimination policies.
The statement says a full investigation was unable to substantiate the complaints of racial discrimination. It goes on to say that Fennelly has coached the Cyclones since 1995, and “is known for his passionate and demanding style of coaching toward all players.”
It ends by saying Iowa State “takes issue with the allegations and looks forward to responding in full to the lawsuit as the legal process proceeds.”