PORTLAND, Maine — Maine's highest court has revived a discrimination lawsuit by a former Brewer High School softball coach who claims she was not rehired because she's a lesbian.
The Supreme Judicial Court on Tuesday set aside a ruling that Kelly Jo Cookson failed to present sufficient evidence in support of her claim against the school department and Superintendent Daniel Lee.
Lee maintained that Cookson was let go largely because of her involvement in hazing activities, but the court said a jury should decide if his stated reasons were a pretext for illegal discrimination.
The 46-year-old Cookson, a three-time Penobscot Valley Conference coach of the year, is seeking reinstatement and damages. The court upheld the lower court's rejection of Cookson's slander claim.
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Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Supreme Judicial Court on Tuesday set aside a ruling that Kelly Jo Cookson failed to present sufficient evidence in support of her claim against the school department and Superintendent Daniel Lee.
Lee maintained that Cookson was let go largely because of her involvement in hazing activities, but the court said a jury should decide if his stated reasons were a pretext for illegal discrimination.
The 46-year-old Cookson, a three-time Penobscot Valley Conference coach of the year, is seeking reinstatement and damages. The court upheld the lower court's rejection of Cookson's slander claim.
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Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
