Penn State, retired coach must defend against sexual harassment suit brought by former fencer

Penn State must defend against allegations brought in a lawsuit by a four-time All-American fencer that alleged her former coach sexually harassed her for years and that the university knew but failed to act, a federal judge ruled Friday.

Chief U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann wrote in a 39-page opinion that former Nittany Lion Zara Moss sufficiently alleged “severe and pervasive” harassment carried out by retired fencing coach Wes Glon.

Brann — accepting the allegations as true, as required by federal law — wrote Glon’s conduct was “quite improper” and “crossed the line between aggressive coaching and sexual harassment.”

“Being a collegiate athlete can involve as much emotion as it does physical ability. Students who have just reached maturity must compete in challenging physical trials that often require aggressive training from their coaches to refine their skills. And the more prestigious the sport and level, the more demanding it gets,” Brann wrote. “But even at the highest levels, there’s a line that can’t be crossed.”

Brann allowed some of Moss’ claims to move forward, but also dismissed other claims permanently and narrowed others. Glon’s attorney Jeffrey A. Lutsky wrote in an email Tuesday the longtime coach is “pleased” the lawsuit was pared-down.

“As for the Court’s description of the facts, it’s important to remember that the Court was required under federal rules to accept as true the unproven allegations of the plaintiff at this early stage of the proceedings and those allegations will be vigorously contested as the case moves forward and evidence is obtained and presented,” Lutsky wrote. “Coach Glon looks forward to the opportunity to refute these allegations and present his case.”

A university spokesperson declined comment Tuesday.

Moss alleged Glon made stereotypical comments about Moss’ weight during her time at Penn State, as well as accusing her of faking injuries to get out of practices during her junior year.

The alleged mistreatment led Moss to develop an eating disorder, body dysmorphia, panic attacks, insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder, her attorneys wrote. Her conditions required prescription medications and mental health services.

Brann wrote in a footnote that neither Glon nor the university engaged in “outrageous conduct.” The university’s deliberate indifference to Glon’s alleged mistreatment is “certainly problematic,” Brann wrote, but “does not go beyond the bounds of human decency.”

“Friday’s ruling brings Zara one step closer to justice and to holding the university accountable for ignoring her experience and the abusive environment for women on Penn State’s fencing team,” attorney Sean Ouellette said in a statement. “It’s time universities prioritize their students over their own reputation and athletic prestige. We hope this lawsuit is part of that change.”

Glon announced his retirement in April after spending 37 years as an assistant and then head coach for the men’s and women’s programs. He was placed on administrative leave in September and was not reinstated.

Penn State announced Glon’s retirement in a news release that did not include any statements from Glon or Athletic Director Pat Kraft. Adam Kaszubowski is serving as interim coach.

As head coach, Glon produced 50 All-Americans and a half-dozen individual national titles. He also coached numerous U.S. National Teams, including in the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games.

Penn State, Glon and Moss’ attorneys are set to exchange information about the witnesses and evidence they plan to present at trial. No trial date was scheduled as of Tuesday.