Supreme Court Won’t Hear Stanley Case

The U.S. Supreme Court refused Monday to hear the appeal of former USC women’s basketball coach Marianne Stanley, who filed suit against the university in 1993 charging sex discrimination after her contract was not renewed.

Stanley had sought $8 million in damages after USC’s final offer to her--a three-year package worth $288,000--was substantially less than that earned by then-men’s coach George Raveling.

“The university is pleased the case is finally over,” said Todd Dickey, general counsel for USC. “The lower courts as well as the appellate courts have vindicated the university’s position that it did not discriminate against Ms. Stanley.

“Most universities across the country have been watching the case because of differences between coaches of different programs. [The decision] shows you can look at other factors, like experience and quality of work, in determining salaries.”

Stanley, now the women’s coach at Cal, could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Stanley coached at USC for four seasons and finished with an 81-46 record.