The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Meyer v. University of Iowa

Meyer+v.+University+of+Iowa

Iowa Athletics Director Gary Barta sat on the witness stand Tuesday for his third day during Meyer v. University of Iowa, in which former top athletic administrator Jane Meyer alleges Barta discriminated against her because of her sexual orientation, retaliated against her because of her response to her partner, Tracey Griesbaum, being fired, and paid her less compared with the man tabbed to replace her.

Follow @thedailyiowan and @BRDowson on Twitter for updates on the trial today.

Here are some of the key claims Barta made during his testimony on Tuesday at the Polk County Courthouse:

  • He says he had numerous staffers in the Athletics Department come to him in 2014 complaining about Meyer’s behavior.
  • All complaints to Barta concerning Meyer were delivered verbally, he says.
  • He says he decided in 2014 her attitude had gotten too disruptive and made it impossible to do his job.
  • Barta said numerous coaches and staffers thanked him for transferring Meyer in December 2014.
  • Barta said numerous coaches and staffers thanked him for transferring Meyer in December 2014.
  • Meyer was initially to be reinstated after the Griesbaum lawsuit was finished, he says, but decided not to bring her back because things were running smoothly without her.
  • He says he didn’t invite Meyer to his home for fundraising dinners because it wasn’t part of her job description.
  • Barta said he didn’t appoint Meyer as the leader of the football team’s rhabdomyolysis outbreak media inquiries, stating Director of Football Operations Paul Federici was better qualified to handle questions since he was a former trainer.
  • Barta testified there was a “pattern of bullying” that led to the firing of Griesbaum in 2014.Source: Des Moines Register

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