Lang
11/28/24
The Iowa Court of Appeals has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a former West High tennis coach against the Iowa City Community School District.
Amie Villarini filed the lawsuit in 2022 amid allegations made at a school board meeting that led to her being put on leave and later being forced to leave the district. The meeting featured a West High junior describing being touched on her back and thighs by Villarini, making her feel uncomfortable. She and another student accused the district of not adequately addressing their concerns when they were brought to the board.
Villarini said that statements made by the players about her conduct as coach were false and defamatory. She says she requested the school district remove the video of the meeting from their website, but they did not comply. Her lawsuit does not include the students. Villarini was placed on administrative leave the day after the meeting, and is no longer with the district. She claims she was put on leave due to the comments made at the meeting. District officials say it was for making a social media post targeting the students who spoke out.
The lawsuit accused the district of defamation and breach of contract.