The University of Connecticut (UConn) has agreed to pay $249,539 to settle allegations of gender-based pay discrimination involving several of its female employees. The settlement, announced earlier this week, resolves a lawsuit filed by three women who claimed that their compensation was unfairly lower than that of their male counterparts, despite holding similar roles and qualifications.
The case, which dates back to 2025, involved three UConn faculty members from the university’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The plaintiffs, who worked in administrative and research capacities, alleged that they were paid significantly less than their male colleagues who held comparable positions. According to the lawsuit, the pay disparity persisted over several years, even though the women performed similar tasks and had similar levels of experience.
The agreement reached between UConn and the plaintiffs provides for the payment of $249,539, which will be divided among the three women. Additionally, the university has pledged to review and adjust its pay practices to ensure that any future salary discrepancies based on gender are addressed. The settlement also includes a commitment to provide salary adjustments for the affected employees to bring their pay in line with the university’s established pay standards for similar roles.
In a statement released by UConn, university officials expressed their commitment to ensuring that all employees are compensated fairly, regardless of gender. “The University of Connecticut is dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace for all employees,” said UConn spokesperson Stephanie Reitz. “We are committed to addressing any concerns regarding pay equity and to ensuring that our policies and practices are in alignment with our values of fairness and respect.”
The settlement also includes provisions for further training on gender equity and unconscious bias for UConn staff and administrators. This move is part of a broader effort by the university to strengthen its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. UConn has been under increasing pressure in recent years to address gender disparities within its academic and administrative staff, with advocacy groups and faculty members calling for greater transparency and accountability in salary decisions.
The case has drawn attention from organizations advocating for women’s rights in the workplace, including the American Association of University Women (AAUW). In a statement, the AAUW praised the settlement as a positive step towards addressing systemic gender discrimination in higher education institutions. “This settlement underscores the importance of standing up against pay inequity and the need for universities to take swift action to eliminate disparities in compensation,” said AAUW President Lisa Maatz.
As part of the settlement, UConn has also agreed to conduct an internal audit of its compensation practices to ensure that no other employees are being subjected to similar discriminatory pay practices. While the settlement resolves this specific lawsuit, it highlights ongoing concerns about gender-based wage gaps in academia and beyond.
The $249,539 settlement amount represents an important acknowledgment by UConn of the need to correct inequities and create a more fair and just workplace for all employees.
