UCO Debate Coach Accused of Sexual Harassment, Drug Use

Nine University of Central Oklahoma students and three former employees have filed a lawsuit against the school and the debate coach, after the group accused the coach of sexual harassment, drug use and intimidation of team members.

Monday, September 20th 2010, 5:24 pm

By: News 9


By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

EDMOND, Oklahoma -- Nine University of Central Oklahoma students and three former employees have filed a lawsuit against the school and the debate coach, after the group accused the coach of sexual harassment, drug use and intimidation of team members.

The debate team is one of the oldest groups at the University of Central Oklahoma, but the members feel its pride and tradition are now tarnished.

The lawsuit accuses debate coach Eric Marlow of pressuring students into sexual favors, using illegal drugs and drinking during out of town trips. The coach is also accused of harassing and threatening students.

The plaintiffs say it's "common knowledge" the 43-year-old uses illegal drugs. In fact they say the drugs and underage drinking are portrayed as the norm and students are pressured to "party" with him.

A plaintiff stated in the lawsuit that Marlow told him to "Come down and drink, or I will kill you."

The plaintiffs say they've seen Coach Marlow purchase and use drugs on campus and smoke marijuana while driving the debate team to tournaments. The suit goes on to say Coach Marlow uses derogatory terms toward females and often talked about a student he once dated.

He's also accused of pressuring one of his own debate students for "sexual favors." The suit said he threatened to terminate her scholarship and allegedly said "If you don't cooperate, you will regret it."

Coach Marlow's supervisor is Dr. Pamela Washington, the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. The plaintiffs say Dr. Washington often ignored their complaints and concerns. The lawsuit also states the school's Dean "labeled" one of the plaintiff's as "a slut," "a liar," and "evil."

As a result, the students say they lost focus and faith in UCO.

The three employees who are plaintiffs in the suit were all fired this year. They say they were fired for complaining about Coach Marlow's behavior.

UCO officials have declined to comment. Attempts to reach Coach Marlow were also unsuccessful, but he does still work at the university.

Read the full lawsuit filed against Marlow

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