DULUTH — University of Minnesota officials have denied an employee’s request for a hearing to clear his name after two female students accused him of sexual harassment.

A university spokesman announced the Board of Regents’ decision Wednesday. University attorney Mark Rotenberg called Raymond’s request unusual and said there’s no tradition of such hearings.

Rod Raymond has been a fitness instructor at the University of Minnesota Duluth for 23 years. After the students’ brought forth their allegations in 2009 the school disciplined Raymond but didn’t fire him.

Raymond’s attorney, Lindsay R.M. Jones, is asking that his client’s personnel record be expunged of any unwarranted disciplinary action. Jones said if Raymond can’t get a fair and impartial hearing before the board he’ll consider a federal lawsuit.