Former AHSAA Executive Files Discrimination Lawsuit
The former associate executive director of the Alabama High School Athletic Association has initiated a federal lawsuit, alleging gender and age discrimination against the AHSAA. Kim Vickers claims that she, as a woman, faced demotion and eventual termination after lodging a complaint with the Employment Opportunity Committee, which ultimately led her to aspire for the role of executive director.
Vickers, who has held leadership roles at the AHSAA for a decade, mentioned that the current executive director, Heath Harmon, was hired to replace her in June 2024. She states that she was essentially compelled to train Harmon, rather than being involved in routine operations.
In July 2024, Vickers filed her first formal complaint with the EEOC, later adding to it in October. She received a notice from the U.S. Department of Justice in May, giving her the right to file suit.
The lawsuit details how Vickers faced retaliation from Harmon following her initial EEOC complaint. She alleges that Harmon demoted her, claiming to follow a federal court order demanding diversity in the AHSAA’s top positions. However, she asserts that, rather than adhering to this order, he began limiting her participation in meetings and committees.
Her termination in June was linked to a dispute with Harmon after he decided to remove all three female members, including her, from the Classification Committee. The lawsuit notes that Vickers expressed to Harmon that he seemed intent on excluding her from what he deemed important matters.
Shortly after this exchange, Vickers claims Harmon told her, “it didn’t work.” When she inquired whether her firing was related to her EEOC complaint, he reportedly just stared at her without responding.
If she had been appointed executive director, Vickers would have made history as the first woman to hold that position in the 104 years of the AHSAA’s existence. Nevertheless, during the search for a new leader, the current AHSAA board president, Terry Curtis, was quoted in a radio interview stating they were “looking for the right ‘man'” for the role.
Vickers is seeking reinstatement to her position along with compensation for punitive damages and other losses.
