Iowa settles racial discrimination lawsuit as state auditor calls for AD Gary Barta to be removed from post

[Fire Kirk Too]

The University of Iowa and state government reached a settlement worth
more than $4 million with a group of Black former football players who
alleged mistreatment based on race by Hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz,
according to the Des Moines Register.

Twelve former Iowa football players were plaintiffs in the lawsuit, most
notably All-Big Ten running back Akrum Wadley. In addition to the payout,
which comes out to $184,201.05 per player, Iowa will provide financial
support for the players to earn graduate degrees from any institution and
provide mental health services for a period of one year.

As part of the agreement, which was approved by a 2-1 vote by the three-
member Iowa Department of Management's State Appeal Board, Iowa athletics
will pay $2.175 million while the state picks up a $2 million tab. Iowa
state auditor Rob Sand, one of three members on the appeal board, voted
against the settlement and called for Iowa athletic director Gary Barta's
resignation.

"Enough is enough," Sand wrote in a statement obtained by the Des Moines
Register. "Clear personal accountability is necessary. I will not support
taxpayers funding this settlement unless Gary Barta is no longer employed
at the university and forfeits any severance or similar pay. I encourage
you to join me. Real accountability will help prevent discrimination,
protecting both taxpayers and future victims."

The lawsuit stems from allegations of racism that came to light in June
2020 when several Black former Iowa football players spoke out on social
media about mistreatment. Longtime strength coach Chris Doyle was fired
after an independent investigation by law firm Husch Blackwell. The
lawsuit initially called for the jobs of both Barta and Ferentz, the
longest-tenured coach in FBS football.

In a statement, Ferentz took issue with the settlement, saying the
agreement was reached without consulting the coaches involved in the
decision. Instead, the Iowa attorney general's office reached the
settlement with the players' attorneys. No members of the Iowa staff were
required to admit any wrongdoing.

"These discussions took place entirely without the knowledge or consent of
the coaches who were named in the lawsuit," Ferentz said "In fact, the
parties originally named disagree with the decision to settle fully
believing that the case would have been dismissed with prejudice before
trial.

"For more than two years, our program has been unfairly and negatively
impacted by these allegations. Members of the staff had their character
and reputation tarnished by former members of our team who said things,
then recanted many statements when questioned under oath. Today we move
forward. My focus is entirely on the players, coaches and staff as we
prepare for the 2023 season."

This is not the first instance of Iowa facing controversy under Barta.
Former field hockey coach Tracey Griesbaum and her partner, former Iowa
staffer Jane Meyer, were paid $6.5 million as part of a discrimination
suit in 2014. In 2012, Iowa associate director of student services Peter
Gray resigned after an internal probe found he sexually harassed athletes.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/iowa-settles-racial-
discrimination-lawsuit-as-state-auditor-calls-for-ad-gary-barta-to-be-
removed-from-post/