BY ANDREA TORTORA
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Jaime Garner
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HIGHLAND HEIGHTS -- What's called the "NKU Safe Zone" on Northern Kentucky University's campus is supposed to be a place where gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students can feel protected.
Signs with black and pink triangles mark these zones on many classroom and office doors.
The idea is to let students know that when they enter those doors, the person in charge will be non-judgmental, understanding, supportive and trustworthy.
Sophomore Cassandra Kaeser pointed out the safe zone signs Monday as she discussed the sexual discrimination lawsuit filed Friday by former basketball player Jaime Garner against Coach Nancy Winstel and Athletic Director Jane Meier. (STORY)
The 5-foot-7 guard, who was the NKU women's second-leading scorer last year, said she was removed from the team in May because of her sexual orientation. Miss Garner's attorney, Lisa Meeks, said her client is a lesbian and had a relationship with another team member.
Coach Winstel said she dropped Miss Garner from the team because she destroyed team chemistry.
"I honestly think it's very open on campus," said Ms. Kaeser, 19, of Harrison. "I have a lot of friends that are different people, and everywhere you go, you see these signs."
Those signs set an example that all universities should follow, said Mariah Burton Nelson, a former professional basketball player and author who is a lesbian. Ms. Nelson played basketball for Stanford University 20 years ago and is the author of Embracing Victory: Life Lessons in Competition and Compassion.
"Usually when there's a problem with team chemistry on a women's basketball team, it's because of homophobia, not because of sexual orientation," said Ms. Nelson, who works from Arlington, Va.
"It is the coach's business to provide an atmosphere that is free from discrimination based on sexual orientation, race, religion, etc.," Ms. Nelson said. "Historically, the problem has been and still is that coaches don't do that. They don't make a safe place for lesbian athletes to be openly who they are."
Charges a surprise
Miss Kaeser and a friend, sophomore Geetu Mishra, 19, from India, said they were surprised to hear of Ms. Garner's allegations. Both women said they've never experienced discrimination at the college. Junior Matt Ogden, 20, of Crestview Hills and sophomore Mark Stiens, 20, of Edgewood said they like NKU because of its diversity. "But I've never dealt with the faculty in the athletic department," Mr. Stiens said.
Players on the women's basketball team, as well as players from the school's other athletic teams, did not want to comment on Miss Garner's lawsuit.
Late Monday, the school issued a statement that said Miss Garner's sexual orientation was not a factor in the dismissal. The statement said Miss Garner's behavior was disruptive to the team.
According to the statement, when Miss Garner was informed of her coach's decision, she was told of her option to transfer to another school to continue her basketball career. Miss Garner chose to remain at NKU, where she is still receiving her full-ride basketball scholarship.
Ms. Meeks said the school's decision is destroying Miss Garner's dream of becoming a professional basketball player.
"The senior year is crucial in that larger plan," Ms. Meeks said. "Her whole life she prayed that there would be a professional basketball team when she grew up."
Miss Garner and her attorneys are asking the court to reinstate her to the team. Though there are unspecified financial damages, Ms. Meeks said the suit is not about money. It's about playing.
"It doesn't matter to me if Jaime is gay or straight," Ms. Meeks said. "What matters to me is that sexual orientation would be a factor."
Miss Garner's case caught the attention of Ronn Rucker, one of Cincinnati's early workers in the Gay Rights Movement and a nationally recognized leader for gay rights and AIDS education.
"This is just a prime example of the type of discrimination gay people face every day," Mr. Rucker said. "She certainly sounds like a true picture of courage. This shows why we need to have some kind of protection. Everyone says we have equality. This shows we don't."
In the suit, Miss Garner outlines several examples of discrimination she feels she endured. The suit says Coach Winstel asked Miss Garner whether she was a lesbian and then said she did not want lesbians on the team. The suit also says Coach Winstel asked Miss Garner about a relationship she was having with another player on the team.
NKU President James Votruba said he reviewed Coach Winstel's decision and continues to support the coach's actions.
"A university of all places should be free of all kinds of discrimination. I do not think the decision was based on sexual orientation," Dr. Votruba said.
