#United States #Los Angeles #Citrus College #Linnae Barber #McCune Law Group

McCune Law Group Takes a Stand Against Discrimination in Women’s Sports

In a notable legal move, the McCune Law Group (MLG) has initiated a civil lawsuit on behalf of Linnae Barber, the women's basketball coach at Citrus College. This case highlights a troubling narrative of discrimination and retaliation faced by women in athletics, particularly in a collegiate setting. The complaint, filed on October 8, 2024, accuses the college of unjustly placing Ms. Barber on administrative leave shortly after she achieved equal pay for her position, a struggle she had fought for seven years.

Background of the Case

Linnae Barber has been advocating for pay equity since her appointment as the head coach in 2018. The lawsuit alleges that Ms. Barber experienced harassment, discrimination, and retaliation based on her race and gender, especially following her advocacy for women's rights in sports. The coaching position she holds is among very few available in California, making this situation particularly significant.

Throughout her tenure, Barber felt the strain of pay disparities when compared to her male counterparts, notably another first-year coach who was paid more. When she raised concerns about her salary and questioned the criteria for teaching positions that were extended to male coaches but not to her, she faced numerous excuses and ultimately, a lack of support from the administration.

Allegations of Retaliation and Gender Bias

The lawsuit also addresses the alleged retaliation against Ms. Barber after she pushed for equal treatment for her basketball team, which did not receive the same resources and support as the men's team. In contrast to their male colleagues, the women’s team suffered from inconvenient practice times and a lack of promotional support.

Barber's outspoken stance on the importance of equitable treatment in collegiate athletics reportedly led to her facing harassment and public reprimands. The situation escalated when Barber dismissed a volunteer coach, expressing concern over appropriate conduct, and instead of receiving support, she found herself under scrutiny from Human Resources.

On October 1, 2023, HR began monitoring her practices, and merely four days later, Barber was placed on indefinite administrative leave. By September 10, 2024, she received a Notice of Proposed Disciplinary Action recommending her dismissal, raising significant concerns about the motivations behind these actions.

Advocacy for Women's Rights

Lead attorney Joe Richardson, who specializes in racial and economic justice at MLG, emphasized the importance of this case, stating, "This case highlights the marginalization women face in the workplace, particularly in the realm of athletics, where women's teams often find themselves underfunded and undervalued." MLG aims to shine a light on these pressing equity issues while fighting for Barber's rights as a coach and as an advocate for her players.

A Call to Action

As this case unfolds, the McCune Law Group calls on anyone with information related to similar experiences of discrimination or retaliation to come forward. The firm remains determined to defend workers' rights, specifically protecting those who confront gender and racial discrimination in the workplace.

For further information or to provide insights regarding this case, you can reach out to the public relations department at McCune Law Group.

Founded over 30 years ago, MLG has a rich history of advocating for consumer rights, with a strong emphasis on creating justice for individuals battling discrimination and unfair treatment. Their presence across Southern California and beyond reinforces their commitment to providing a voice for marginalized individuals in the workforce.

To learn more about MLG's mission and ongoing efforts in similar cases, visit mccunewright.com.