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The head coach of aTexas  women’s college basketball team has been fired after she suspended two players for dating. Prairie View A&M announced last week that Dawn Brown wouldn’t be returning  amid accusations of violating the Education Amendment’s Title IX anti-discrimination rule.

Reports Raw Story:

This issue seems headed for court, given the complaints by the players and Brown’s unhappiness with her dismissal (she plans to appeal).

Furthermore, the case could help to clarify the provisions of Title IX, the landmark legislation enacted in 1972 that prohibits sexual discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

According to the Houston Press, Title IX had apparently never been applied to sexual orientation until about three months ago. At that time, a U.S. District Court judge in California ruled that a case involving two Pepperdine University women’s basketball players who had been targeted by their coach for their off-court relationship deserved protection under the law.

Brown guided Prairie View A&M to the 2014 SWAC championship. She posted a 41-51 in three seasons, including a 13-15 mark this season.

Brown claims PVAMU’s Title IX administrator approved her decision to suspend the players, and feels “betrayed” and “unjustly penalized.” She argues that the students were disciplined for dating, which is against the team rules, not for their sexual orientation.

Her agent, Garry Rosenfield, believes his client was unfairly targeted.  “We definitely think this is a case of scapegoating,” he said.

Photo: screencap