NEW ORLEANS — A former assistant softball coach is suing Nicholls State University for discrimination.
Jessica L. Seamon claims she was hired as an assistant softball coach at Nicholls State University in February 2012, according to a complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Seamon claims she received unequal pay and benefits compared to male baseball assistant coaches, as well as disparities in funding, facilities, coaching staff, uniforms and travel conditions for female athletes.
Despite filing complaints, the situation persisted, according to the suit.
Seamon claims in 2018, she received a raise significantly lower than a male counterpart and on May 14, 2021, the athletic director informed the softball head coach and her that the head coach's contract would not be renewed, offering resignation or termination.
Seamon claims she was denied the chance to apply for the head coach position, which she believes was based on gender and age discrimination, as well as retaliation for previous complaints.
The lack of support for a student athlete's mental health issues and disparities in funding and facilities between softball and baseball programs are cited as examples of problems Seamon complained of, according to the suit. She claims she was discriminated against and her employment was terminated.
Seamon is seeking damages. She is representing herself.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana case number: 2:23-cv-07091