By Alabama Public Radio
Washington, DC – The U-S Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that the Title Nine gender-equity law also protects whistleblowers who accuse academic institutions of discrimination. The ruling says coaches and teachers may sue for retaliation if they are fired for complaining on the behalf of others. The decision was five-to-four in favor of Ensley High School coach Roderick Jackson. Jackson was fired as the girl's basketball coach in 2001 after complaining about the team's facilities. The state of Alabama joined eight other states and the National School Boards Association in opposing the suit. They argued that allowing retaliation claims would prompt a flood of litigation.