Syracuse University Reinforces Commitment to Faculty Pay Equity, Agrees to Class-Action Settlement

Four years ago, Syracuse University commenced a comprehensive exercise to assess whether full-time faculty were compensated equitably. The administration and University Senate commissioned a survey, and the Office of Institutional Research built and implemented a model that resulted in nearly $2 million in in structural budget increases to ensure pay equity in 2018 and 2019. With these adjustments, the University eliminated statistical significance in gender pay disparities at all ranks in all schools and colleges.

Today, the University took another step in reinforcing its commitment to pay equity by agreeing to a class-action settlement to resolve allegations of compensation discrimination raised by five female professors on behalf of themselves and all similarly-situated female professors. The class-action suit alleges that the gender equity adjustments were forward looking and did not resolve retroactive disparities. Under the settlement agreement, the University will pay $3,713,000 to resolve these claims.

“Syracuse University is committed—at all levels, across all faculty and staff positions—to providing an equitable and supportive work environment,” says Steve Bennett, senior vice president for international programs and academic operations and chief of staff, Academic Affairs. “We continue to work closely with academic leadership to ensure compensation is commensurate with every faculty member’s job responsibilities, efforts and accomplishments, regardless of gender. Faculty are the backbone of our academic enterprise and empowering their professional, academic and financial advancement is a key priority.”

The Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Gender Pay Equity, which includes faculty representation from every school and college, continues to meet to ensure the University monitors salary equity.

More about the class-action settlement and the University’s commitment to pay equity can be found by visiting the Class-Action Settlement webpage.