Emporia State Women’s Soccer Coach Alleges Title IX & First Amendment Violations after Firing

On December 23, 2024 Bryan Sailer, the former women’s soccer coach, filed a complaint against Emporia State University (ESU) and Athletic Director David Spafford seeking a remedy for gender equity complaints in violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 20 § U.S.C. 1681 and a violation of his First Amendment rights of the U.S. Constitution. While Sailer was fired, per ESU, after an investigation into an incident related to players drinking alcohol, Sailer believes his firing was in response to his complaints about “inequity issues” within the athletic department. In addition, Sailer alleges the university and athletic director retaliated against Sailer for using his First Amendment rights.