Lexington, Kentucky: Lawsuit Against University Continues Amid Changes
Two plaintiffs have reached a tentative agreement to drop four claims in their ongoing lawsuit against the University of Kentucky. The case revolves around allegations against former head swimming & diving coach Lars Jorgensen. The plaintiffs, including Briggs Alexander and a woman identified as “Jane Doe,” accuse Jorgensen and the university administration of fostering a toxic environment that allowed for sexual harassment and assault.
Who is Involved?
The suit names Lars Jorgensen, athletics director Mitch Barnhart, and the University of Kentucky as defendants. Jorgensen, who resigned in 2022, previously received a $75,000 settlement amid an investigation into his conduct over a decade-long tenure at the university. The plaintiffs claim that Jorgensen’s actions created a hostile and dangerous environment for female athletes and staff members.
What are the Allegations?
The lawsuit includes serious charges against Jorgensen, asserting that he engaged in sexual harassment and committed violent acts against young women affiliated with the swimming program. The allegations detail incidents beginning as early as December 2013, involving a former swim team staffer who reported being raped by Jorgensen during a team Christmas party. The claims suggest that Jorgensen maintained abusive behavior over the following years, leading the staffer to leave the program.
Details of the Agreement
The plaintiffs have agreed to drop four of the initial claims, which include failure to train and supervise, negligence, and two counts of vicarious liability for battery. This agreement, pending judicial approval, does not affect the core allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination that remain against the university. The university had initially sought dismissal of these claims based on its sovereign immunity as a state institution, but the matter continues to face legal scrutiny.
What’s Next?
Should the court accept the drops, two significant claims will still stand: a Title IX violation for sexual harassment and a violation of the Kentucky Civil Rights Act. As the case progresses, experts speculate that the university may consider settling to avoid prolonged litigation, which could become damaging for its reputation.
Background Context
Briggs Alexander, a former team captain and assistant coach, claims that Jorgensen “groomed” her during her time with the women’s team, manipulating and isolating her for further exploitation. The lawsuit alleges that Jorgensen used various tactics over time to desensitize her to sexual topics and ultimately assaulted her.
In her allegations, Alexander describes incidents that occurred during her tenure, including a particularly traumatic assault following a team party, which she vividly recalls. Her story represents just one of the many serious charges against Jorgensen, painting a troubling picture of the culture within the Kentucky swim program during his leadership.
Current Legal Proceedings
The legal battle continues as the court assesses the remaining claims. Legal analysts note that the ongoing attention this case garners is critical—not just for those directly involved, but for the broader landscape of college athletics, where similar allegations have emerged in various programs across the country.
The discussion around the lawsuit has sparked a larger conversation about the accountability of coaching staff and the institutional responsibility to protect student-athletes from harm. Allegations of misconduct continue to challenge university policies and enforcement regarding staff behavior.
Conclusion
As this case unfolds, both legal and administrative decisions will play a pivotal role in shaping the University of Kentucky’s future, particularly its approach to protecting student-athletes. The resolution of the claims against the school may set an important precedent in how allegations of sexual misconduct are handled at the collegiate level.
