Civil rights complaint filed against Cedar Ridge after firing of coach

HILLSBOROUGH — The federal government is looking into alleged civil rights violations in the Orange County School District's decision to remove the girl's volleyball coach at Cedar Ridge High School in Hillsborough.

A group of parents filed a complaint in October about the decision to fire Laurie Calder-Green from her coaching duties after she yelled and swore at players. She remains as chair of the school's English Department.

The complaint alleged the school district discriminated on the basis of sex.

“I not only want my daughter to have the ability to participate in the woman's athletics program in high school, but every parent that has joined me in this complaint, to the Office of Civil Rights, also wants their daughters to have the same opportunities that the young men have,” parent Elisabeth Penland said.

In a written statement, the school district's spokesperson said the district could not comment on the matter.

Calder-Green was terminated as volleyball coach on Thursday, Oct. 2. According to the Cedar Ridge Web site, she is also the women's basketball coach.

In October, a Cedar Ridge volleyball player told WRAL News, "She is tough and disciplined, but this only prepares us for the real world where parents can't control everything for us."

On Monday, October 6, players, parents and peer packed a school board meeting to voice support for the coach.

WRAL News spoke to Calder-Green in early October, and she said she was shocked and disappointed, but did not offer any furhter details.

The coach was named the Mid-State Conference Volleyball Coach of the Year in 2004.