University of Montana Coach Alleges He was Fired for Reporting Sexual Harassment

Missoula, MT- A former strength and training coach for the University of Montana alleges that he was fired for reporting incidents of sexual harassment in the athletic department.

Scott Kirchmann told the Montana Human Rights Commission that he saw a male staffer sexually harass a female staffer. Kirchmann also filed a complaint with his supervisor Jean Gee in October.

In the complaint, Kirchmann says he saw a male staffer make sexually explicit, demeaning and derogatory comments to female co-worker as well as derogatory and discriminatory racial comments.

The day after Kirchmann sent the complaint to Gee, she and the athletic director informed him his contract would not be renewed, despite positive evaluation just one month before. Kirchmann believes the university didn’t want him around to report any future harassment. Retaliation is one of the main reason employees feel the need to retain a sexual harassment attorney.

The University denies Kirchmann was let go for reporting the harassment.

The University of Montana is currently the subject of two federal investigations by the Department of Justice and Education into the way the university handles sexual assault cases.

There are many instances in which a college or workplace fails to address sexual harassment and assault because they do not have clear reporting policies in place. Often, as part of a settlement, sexual harassment lawyers in Montana can ask that a business reform their harassment and discrimination reporting policies.

In the workplace, people have the right to be free of harassment and discrimination of any kind. Unfortunately, a surprising number of people endure sexually abusive behavior on a daily basis. If their employers don’t do the right thing and put an end to the abuse, the victims have no other alternative than to hire a Montana sexual harassment attorney to stop the harassment.