It seems a bit strange that a highly sensitive issue received very little press on a national level. Rene’s act of discrimination towards homosexuals was not as publicized as it should have been. What is strange to me is the fact that discrimination was occurring in the field. For a time I watched news relating to homosexuals discriminated against in a national level. I didn’t realize that in some parts of the country it was happening specifically in the sports arena. The documentary Training Rules really brought light to the events that took place in the careers of Jennifer Harris and Rene Portland. It shocked me that Rene Portland was able to stay in Pennsylvania State as head coach for the women’s basketball team even with her inappropriate actions regarding homosexuality. For years she discriminated against lesbians and did not allow any of them to play in her team. For years she ruined many lives and no one seemed to take legal action. If it wasn’t for Jennifer Harris taking a stand, Rene Portland’s actions would not have been taken into consideration. However, even with Jennifer’s lawsuit against her, Rene did not pay much. She was fined $10,000 which is something that must not have much value for her. The lawsuit against her did not even get to court because of a settlement whose terms are not made public. After the settlement she resigned as head coach and now no one really knows where she is and what she is doing. Today I really wonder what happened to Rene Portland. A google search on her bring up articles about what happened between her and Jennifer Harris, none of the articles pertain to her current activities. Well whatever it is that she’s doing, I hope it has nothing to do with discriminating against the homosexual community.
Shiela Gonzales
Kin 338I Section 4
Tu-Th 9:30 – 10:45
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I played for Rene Portland and I assure you that she DID NOT discriminate against gays. Jennifer Harris had an attitude problem and did not do what was required of her in the classroom or on the court and she used the perception that Rene is homophobic as a form of revenge. There were openly gay mambers of the team and staff who are still close with Rene. The movie was full of lies and overexaggeration.
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