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Alani Bankhead strategically chose the University of Montana in Missoula to make her first major announcement as the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate. Standing near Main Hall, she highlighted the political landscape shaped by independent candidate Seth Bodnar, who was the university’s president for eight years.
“As the leader of the University of Montana, Seth settled a lawsuit with 18 female plaintiffs for sexual discrimination to the tune of $350,000,” Bankhead said Monday, delivering a blistering broadside designed to compel the attention of Democratic women, the party’s biggest voting bloc.
Bankhead urged Bodnar, a Rhodes Scholar and West Point graduate, to exit the race, echoing the hopes of his supporters that she would step aside for the better-resourced independent candidate.
The 2021 lawsuit against the University of Montana and other entities cited violations of Title IX anti-discrimination policies. The complaint accused the university of fostering a culture that favored male athletes and employees, hindering women’s opportunities.
Bodnar wasn’t directly involved in the lawsuit, as the earliest allegations predated his 2018 tenure. Nonetheless, plaintiffs claimed his administration created career barriers based on age and attractiveness, limiting advancement opportunities for women compared to their male and younger female peers.
Catherine Cole, former VP of enrollment and strategic communications, alleged a salary disparity and resigned in 2020, citing unrealistic expectations from Bodnar. Barbara Koostra, involved in a dispute over art collection management, faced contract non-renewal in 2018, just shy of full retirement benefits.
In defense, Bodnar emphasizes his tenure’s achievements, notably increasing the number of female deans from one to seven and promoting women in 78% of campus employee advancements.
Court records reveal the $350,000 settlement covered $116,666.67 in attorneys’ fees and $199,934.55 in litigation costs, with each plaintiff receiving $1,855.49.
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