The filing further claims Schuller was given less pay than her male counterparts. The claim is seeking no less than $5 million in damages from the state, citing pay disparities, emotional distress and the loss of substantial benefits.
In a specific example, the tort claim alleges that Hickey told Schuller in 2018 “not to bother” applying for the position of senior woman administrator despite her qualifications. The university instead hired Sarah Adams, which the filing describes as a younger, less-experienced candidate.
The filing also references the dismissal of former EWU soccer Coach Chad Bodnar, who was fired last month, claiming Hickey actively and publicly commented on her desire to terminate Bodnar.
The filing claims Hickey prioritized men’s athletics over women’s, which manifested in “unequal hiring practices, budgets, athletic care, training and safety resources.”
After the women’s basketball team lost two assistant coaches last summer, according to the claim, Hickey allegedly prohibited Schuller from filling those spots until mid-October as team practices started. The filing contrasts that to January , when Hickey allegedly allowed EWU football coach Aaron Best to immediately rehire for vacant assistant coaching positions.
The filing further accuses Hickey of sweeping claims involving threatening behavior exhibited by members of EWU’s football team under the rug to protect the university’s football players.