Dartmouth Former Coach Legal Scandal: Who Is Sueing Who?

A new lawsuit has placed Dartmouth College under scrutiny as former men’s cross country head coach Justin Wood alleges the school deliberately harmed his career.

Filed in federal court, the suit claims Dartmouth blacklisted him, interfered with job applications, and allowed defamatory remarks to circulate after his departure in 2022.

Alongside the college, the lawsuit names Porscha Dobson Harnden, the former track and field and cross country director, accusing her of spreading damaging statements.

The case raises questions about how universities handle internal disputes and whether institutions can silence whistleblowers without consequences.

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Key Takeaways

1. Justin Wood, a former Dartmouth coach, claims the school blacklisted him after he raised concerns about rule violations.

2. The lawsuit names both Dartmouth College and former director Porscha Dobson Harnden as defendants.

3. The outcome could affect how universities manage disputes between staff, reputation, and athlete welfare.

The Background of the Lawsuit

Justin Wood worked as Dartmouth’s men’s cross country head coach and assistant track and field coach from 2020 until 2022. During his tenure, he says he noticed irregularities in how the programs were managed.

According to his complaint, he raised concerns about potential admissions misconduct, violations of Ivy League and NCAA policies, and lapses in athlete safety. These claims, he argues, were ignored and instead led to retaliation.

After confronting Dartmouth officials, Wood signed a separation agreement in August 2022, which included a non-disparagement clause.

Yet his relationship with the college did not end quietly. The lawsuit alleges that Dartmouth later interfered with his career opportunities by removing his name from official rosters of past seasons and by sharing negative information with prospective employers.

One example centers on Wood’s attempt to join New York University as head track and field coach. He claims Dartmouth provided damaging input during a background check, leading NYU to withdraw interest.

The complaint also highlights a post on the LetsRun.com forum suggesting that Wood resigned due to misconduct.

Wood says this information was false and linked to Harnden, further harming his professional reputation.

This legal battle is not only about a personal dispute but also about whether institutions can control narratives when staff raise internal concerns.

The details revealed so far suggest the case could have broader implications beyond Dartmouth’s campus.

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Claims of Blacklisting and Defamation

The core of the lawsuit rests on two accusations: blacklisting and defamation. Wood’s attorneys argue that Dartmouth deliberately altered records to downplay his role at the college and damage his chances of securing new positions.

By removing his name from multiple team rosters between 2020 and 2022, the complaint suggests Dartmouth created a misleading version of history, making him appear less credible as a candidate.

The defamation claim is tied to statements allegedly made by Harnden. According to the suit, she or her associates suggested Wood left the program because of inappropriate actions and even linked him to a police incident involving another coach.

Wood denies these claims and argues they were made with malice, specifically in response to his earlier criticisms of Harnden’s management.

The case also mentions Harnden’s spouse, who was allegedly involved in conversations with the administrator of the LetsRun.com forum where damaging claims appeared.

If proven, these connections could support Wood’s argument that defamatory statements were not only circulated but intentionally spread to discredit him.

Defamation suits are often difficult to prove, especially when tied to workplace conflicts, but the lawsuit’s inclusion of specific examples, such as the NYU background check and the online post, provides concrete situations where Wood says his reputation suffered direct harm.

The federal court will ultimately need to decide if Dartmouth and Harnden crossed the line between professional disagreements and unlawful retaliation.

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Wider Implications for Dartmouth and College Athletics

While the lawsuit focuses on Justin Wood’s experience, the case has potential ripple effects for Dartmouth and other universities.

For Dartmouth, the situation draws unwanted attention to its handling of athletic staff and raises questions about leadership oversight.

The college has so far declined to comment, leaving speculation to grow about how it will defend itself in court.

For college athletics more broadly, the case highlights the delicate balance between protecting an institution’s reputation and addressing staff concerns.

If Wood’s claims about ignored NCAA policy violations and student safety issues are substantiated, it could spark broader discussions about accountability within athletic departments.

There is also a reputational risk tied to how Dartmouth managed Harnden’s role. Reports indicate she stepped away from her position in 2024 without clear communication to the team, leaving a gap in leadership.

Combined with the lawsuit, these details may influence how prospective athletes and coaches view the program.

For other institutions, the case serves as a reminder of the risks of opaque decision-making. Removing coaches from records or spreading unverified claims can create lasting damage, not only for individuals but also for the credibility of athletic programs.

Whether or not Dartmouth is found liable, the trial will likely fuel debate on how much power colleges should have over former employees’ professional futures.

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Conclusion

Justin Wood’s lawsuit against Dartmouth College represents more than a dispute between a coach and his former employer.

It raises larger questions about institutional accountability, the treatment of whistleblowers, and the consequences of reputational harm.

With allegations of blacklisting, defamation, and retaliation, the case will test how federal courts view the responsibilities of universities when handling staff departures.

For now, the outcome remains uncertain. If the court sides with Wood, Dartmouth could face financial penalties and increased scrutiny. If not, the case may still serve as a warning for other coaches considering speaking out.

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In the financial world, platforms like Bitrue offer that assurance, making it easier and safer to manage digital assets compared to environments clouded by hidden disputes.

Trustworthy platforms help reduce risks and give users confidence, something that institutions like Dartmouth are now being forced to reconsider.

FAQ

Who is Justin Wood?

Justin Wood is a former head coach of Dartmouth’s men’s cross country team and assistant track and field coach. He worked at the college from 2020 to 2022.

What is Wood accusing Dartmouth of?

Wood alleges that Dartmouth blacklisted him by removing his name from official rosters and defamed him through damaging statements tied to former director Porscha Dobson Harnden.

Who else is named in the lawsuit?

Alongside Dartmouth College, the lawsuit names Porscha Dobson Harnden, former director of track and field and cross country, as a defendant.

What could Dartmouth face if found liable?

The college may face financial damages, reputational harm, and increased oversight of its athletic department if the court sides with Wood.

Why does this case matter beyond Dartmouth?

The lawsuit highlights broader issues in college athletics, including staff accountability, whistleblower protection, and how institutions manage disputes with former employees.

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