By By Andrew Wible Collegian Staff Writer
Originally posted on
The Daily Collegian Online.
It's been more than one year since the protestors left the Bryce Jordan Center.
Fifty-two weeks free of national scrutiny.
More than 365 days since rainbow flags and banners reading "Rene's still here, why isn't Jen?" and "Personal foul, Rene Portland!" dotted the arena.
Nearly a year after Rene Portland's controversial resignation on March 23 amid allegations of discrimination, a new atmosphere has surrounded the Penn State women's basketball team this season, and it's largely because of one woman: Coquese Washington.
The first-year head coach has brought new life and enthusiasm to the program and has taken heat off the university following two years of discrimination lawsuits.
Equal rights groups across the country have praised Penn State for hiring Washington, said Helen Carroll, sports project director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR).
"Hiring Washington has definitely begun a new era for Penn State basketball," Carroll said. "Part of that era definitely has to do with embracing respect for difference, and I think that has to do with race and embracing everyone.
"It's pretty historical for Penn State, and I would like to give them a lot of kudos for hiring Washington because they really hired a great person."
The "new era" refers to the shedding of Portland, the former Lady Lion coach.
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