Jan. 14, 2008

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Melissa Jennings have reached a settlement in a lawsuit that was filed in 1998. Jennings and Debbie Keller, former members of the women's soccer team, filed suit against UNC and several University officials, including head women's soccer coach Anson Dorrance. The suit alleged claims of sexual harassment and sought several remedies, including financial damages of $12 million.

The settlement with Jennings is for $385,000, which is intended to reimburse her for most of the attorney's fees she accumulated over the nine-year history of the suit. The athletic department will pay the settlement from its 2007-08 operating budget. No state funds or tuition dollars will be used. The University settled with Keller in 2004.

The three district and appellate court rulings to determine whether the case should even proceed to trial have been split. The first two courts concluded that no reasonable jury could find that Coach Dorrance's remarks or conduct constituted sexual harassment or created a sexually hostile environment. The final court, in a split decision, ruled the case should go to trial.

"We are very pleased to have resolved this case as neither the University nor the plaintiff see the benefit in proceeding further," says Director of Athletics Dick Baddour. "The state's attorneys and the University's attorneys and representatives were confident in the outcome of a trial. The case has lasted more than nine years. Ending it now enables everyone to move forward."

Coach Dorrance has been coaching at the University of North Carolina since 1976. There were no allegations of sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior prior to this complaint, nor have there been any subsequent allegations. He apologized to Jennings 10 years ago for making comments in jest that were thought to be inappropriate. The University and Coach Dorrance steadfastly deny the other allegations.

"This settlement in no way constitutes an admission of anything beyond what Coach Dorrance has already apologized for," says Baddour. "He is an outstanding worldwide ambassador for women's sports, amateur athletics and the University of North Carolina. We have heard from a countless number of players who stand firm in their belief in, support of and thanks to Anson and the women's soccer program. Many of our former student-athletes expressed their desire to testify on Anson's behalf and about the positive experiences they had while playing for him. But, we just didn't want to subject them to a court proceeding."

"Since August 1998, I have looked forward to clearing my name in court," says Dorrance. "That is still true today. I understand, though, that after nine years of litigation, it is best for the University, our soccer program and all of us involved in this case for it to end here.

"I am pleased for my family and all the current and previous members of the women's soccer program that this is over," says Dorrance. "I greatly appreciate the unwavering support the athletic department, the University and its trustees have given me. Dick Baddour has stood with me every step of the way, as has (Senior Associate Athletic Director) Beth Miller, the coaches of all of our sports and the incredible people within the Tar Heel family. Carolina is a special place and the support that people all across campus have given our program, myself and my family will never be forgotten."

"We have never believed that the case had any merit," says Chancellor James Moeser. "We've stood by Coach Dorrance since this case started and we stand by him now. Anson has for 25 plus years demonstrated a strong support of his student-athletes, is a great teacher, and has been a leader in advancing opportunities for women in intercollegiate athletics. "