Iowa state auditor Rob Sand said he will oppose the settlement if the university retains Barta, who has led the department since 2006. Sand is one of three members of the State Appeal Board, which meets Monday afternoon to approve the settlement.
“Under Gary Barta’s leadership at the University of Iowa Athletics Department, we’ve had the Peter Gray scandal plus three instances of discrimination totaling nearly $7 million in damages (setting aside other suits),” Sand said in a statement to other board members and first reported by The Des Moines Register. “After (a $6.6 million settlement to former associate athletics director Jane Meyer and field hockey coach Tracey Griesbaum on gender and sexual discrimination claims), Barta asserted no wrong was done. Now we have a new matter for $4 million more, and for the first time, they want part paid from the taxpayers’ general fund, even though they now collect tens of millions annually (through) the Big Ten TV deal.
“Enough is enough. Clear personal accountability is necessary. I will not support taxpayers funding this settlement unless Gary Barta is no longer employed at the university and forfeits any severance or similar pay. I encourage you to join me. Real accountability will help prevent discrimination, protecting both taxpayers and future victims.”