The University of Arizona Board of Regents has reached a settlement in a $2 million gender pay gap lawsuit filed by three former deans, Arizona Daily Star reported.
The suit alleged the school administrators of discrimination against its female employees by paying them smaller salaries in comparison to their male colleagues.
Patricia MacCorquodale, the former dean at university’s Honors College filed the lawsuit in January 2018 and was later joined by Janice Cervelli and Joan Shaver– two other former deans.
“Plaintiffs brought this action to highlight the importance of gender equity and diverse leadership in higher education, and both parties agree and reaffirm the continuing importance of these issues,” a joint statement by the plaintiffs and regents read. “The parties are pleased that this matter has been mutually resolved.”
According to the lawsuit, MacCorquodale had accused the university of underpaying her for two decades by tens of thousands of dollars. She was replaced in 2016 by a man who was paid $70,000 more than her. Two other colleagues had leveled similar allegations.
The terms of the settlement haven’t been disclosed to the media.
In December, a $20 million lawsuit was filed against the university by Katrina Miranda, an associate professor in chemistry and biochemistry for denying equal access to work resources, promotion and of retaliation, if any faculty member complains against it.