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Openings Statements Begin In ASU Harassment Case

By Lisa Blackwell

Story Created: Feb 9, 2012 at 8:25 AM CDT

Story Updated: Feb 9, 2012

Opening statements have now been made in a federal sexual harassment case against Alabama State University and state representative John Knight of Montgomery.

Three women claim they were victims of racial and sexual harassment while working for the university.

A lawyer for the plaintiff told jurors the women were touched inappropriately and constantly called racist names back in 2008 while working in the marketing and communications office and officials tried to cover it up.

Defense attorneys deny the allegations and say plaintiffs Jackie Weatherly, Cynthia Williams, and Lydia Burkhalter did not properly report the claims, and are now only out to get money.

Although there has been no gag order, attorneys say the judge did say he did not want this case tried in the media.

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