Key Testimony: Athletic Director’s Damning Admission
Harvard further argued that Stone’s complaints about pay disparities, made in 2017 and 2018, were too far removed from her departure to establish a retaliation claim. However, Judge Boal pointed to a crucial moment in January 2023, when Stone told Harvard’s athletic director that she would have been treated better if she were a man. The director allegedly responded, “This wouldn’t be happening to a men’s coach.”
Harvard attempted to downplay the remark, suggesting it referred to media coverage rather than the university’s own treatment of Stone. But Judge Boal ruled that such factual disputes are inappropriate for dismissal at this stage.
Legal Teams and Next Steps
With the magistrate judge recommending that the lawsuit proceed, the case now heads to a federal district judge for final determination.
- Stone’s Legal Representation: Andrew T. Miltenberg, Gabrielle M. Vinci, Tara J. Davis, and Regina M. Federico of Nesenoff & Miltenberg LLP.
- Harvard’s Legal Representation: Madeleine K. Rodriguez, Allison L. Anderson, Leah S. Rizkallah, Emily J. Nash, and Maureen S. Berry of Foley Hoag LLP.
Stone’s attorney, Regina Federico, welcomed the ruling, saying she was pleased the lawsuit is moving forward. Harvard, meanwhile, declined to comment.
With high-profile allegations of systemic gender bias and retaliation now heading toward further litigation, Harvard may soon find itself on thin ice.
