Thursday, April 10, 2025
HomeFacultyUniversity of Oregon Settles Four-Year Pay Disparity Lawsuit

University of Oregon Settles Four-Year Pay Disparity Lawsuit

-

The University of Oregon (UO) has reached a settlement with a former psychology professor who claimed that she was paid less than male colleagues four years after the initial lawsuit was filed. 

Jennifer Freyd, who is now retired, took legal action against the school back in 2017 after learning that male professors with equal or lesser experience were given a higher salary. 

The court ruled in favor of UO two years later, but Freyd filed an appeal with the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals. In March, the court agreed to revisit the case, deciding to send the case to trial before a settlement was agreed.

Moving On

In a news release, the university announced that both parties agreed to settle for a total of $450,000. A portion of the settlement amounting to $350,000 will be given to Freyd and her attorneys for legal fees, damages, and lost wages. 

UO will donate the remaining $100,000 to the Center for Institutional Courage, which Freyd founded.

“We are pleased to put this litigation behind us and together affirm our continued commitment to uncover, acknowledge and address gender inequity and other forms of discrimination,” said UO Vice President and General Counsel Kevin Reed in a joint statement.

The Bulletin reported that Freyd is happy with the outcome of the case. In an emailed statement, the retired professor said, “One is the time and freedom it provides me to pursue my work on institutional betrayal and institutional courage.”

You Might Also Like

Latest Posts

How to Find Scholarships for College: Top Tips for a Successful Search

Finding scholarships for college is possible, as long as you know what to look for and where to find them. Check out these tips!

The 21 Top Jobs for College Graduates (and How to Get Hired!)

Say goodbye to career confusion when you follow these tried-and-tested tips in job-hunting, all while you take your pick among in-demand jobs!

Top 10 Essential Job Skills Graduates Must Have to Land a Job

Check out these top 10 valuable job skills graduates must have to get employed straight out of college.