LGBTQ advocates rally around former St. Joseph's Univ employee's anti-bias suit [View all]
PHILADELPHIA — LGBTQ advocates are uniting in support of Noel Koenke, a former employee at St. Joseph’s University who’s appealing the dismissal of her LGBT-related anti-bias case against the university before it could reach a jury.
Koenke, 37, worked as an assistant director of music and worship at the university and was beloved by many students. But “hateful” pressure from supervisors to stay in the closet ruined her career, caused her to attempt suicide and resulted in the dissolution of her marriage. She resigned her position in November 2017, according to court papers.
Koenke filed suit in October 2019, claiming the university violated Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs receiving federal funds. Koenke maintains the university had no legal right to harass her. She’s requesting in excess of $150,000 in damages and a court order that the university initiates LGBT sensitivity training for its employees.
In December 2019, officials at St. Joe’s filed a 44-page brief, urging U.S. District Judge Nitza I. Quinones Alejandro to dismiss Koenke’s case as meritless. In its brief, the university acknowledged urging Koenke to be discreet about her same-sex marriage but insisted it had a legal right to do so.
Read more: https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/lgbtq-advocates-rally-around-former-st-josephs-univ-employees-anti-bias-suit/
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