Termination Disguised as “Budget Cuts”
In April, St. John filed two additional complaints alleging discrimination and retaliation. Upon returning from a leave of absence, she says the hostility from the head coach continued, with him ignoring her presence at team meetings and publicly contradicting her instructions to athletes.
Then, on June 20, St. John was informed that her position was being eliminated due to budget cuts—a move she argues was a pretext for firing her. Notably, her lawsuit claims that she was the only staff member affected by this so-called “reduction in force.”
Legal Battle Begins
OSU has declined to comment on the lawsuit, and counsel for St. John has not immediately responded to requests for statements.
St. John is being represented by Elizabeth Elaine Deemer of The Levicoff Law Firm, while OSU’s legal representation has yet to be disclosed.
As the lawsuit unfolds, St. John’s case could shine a national spotlight on the ongoing challenges of diversity, equity, and inclusion in collegiate athletics—raising questions about whether advocating for change in sports can come at a personal cost.
