Northern Lehigh School District has opted to bring back its head varsity softball coach despite a plea by a parent who said her daughter was discriminated against.

By a 7-2 vote, the school board on Monday reappointed Dan Caruso as head varsity softball coach. Directors Natalie Snyder and Angela Williams were opposed.

The board’s decision came after it heard from Dr. Jennifer Wentz of Walnutport, who attended last month’s meeting to voice concerns she had with regard to the rehiring of Caruso.

“Last month I came here and made some very specific comments with regards to my daughter and the unfair treatment that she received from the high school softball coach,” Wentz said. “After those comments, I did receive quite a bit of feedback from some of the other members of the team as well as their parents, and I really wish some of them would have been able to come tonight because I think the board needs to recognize that this is not an issue that just resides with my daughter.

“I don’t think any individual should be put in a position where they have to compromise their autonomy and who physically comes in contact with them and their ability to play a sport that they love. And I feel that a majority of young females, young women on that team were put in that position and I cannot implore this district or this board enough to consider their overall well-being in considering rehiring the softball coach.”

Wentz added: “This is not just an issue with one player, this is an issue with several players. And a lot of the comments that I heard were a little bit discouraging because a lot of them have brought some of these issues toward the administration, the girls themselves had a meeting with the administration and none of it was really addressed, and I’ve very, very deeply saddened by that idea because as a human I think we do have a right to do what we can in life, and be productive.”

Last month, the board on an 8-0 vote agreed to amend a motion to remove Caruso’s name from the meeting agenda.

Caruso was listed on the agenda for reappointment for the 2024-25 season at a salary of $5,664.

The softball team finished last season with a regular season record of 12 wins and 8 losses.