State College, Pa. — Penn State fined women's basketball coach Rene Portland $10,000 after concluding she violated university policy in her treatment of a player who was perceived to be a lesbian.

The university said Portland would be dismissed for any future violation of the school's nondiscrimination policy. She also was ordered to take professional development "devoted to diversity and inclusiveness."

Kendra Kearney, an MSU graduate assistant who was one of several women who protested Portland when MSU hosted Penn State in January, said she was pleased with the ruling.

"It does send a strong message that discrimination won't be tolerated," said Kearney, also a graduate adviser for MSU's Office of LBGT Concerns.

Kearney said she was encouraged by the fact that Penn State conducted the investigation of its own accord.

"To take that upon themselves, to uphold their own policy, is great. I think Michigan State could definitely learn from this," she said.

Reading from a statement at a news conference, Portland said she disagreed with the ruling and that the conclusions were flawed. She said she would return as Penn State coach next season but declined to answer any questions.

Staff writer Tom Keller contributed to this report.