The Department of Labor found that Princeton University is guilty of pay discrimination between 2012 and 2014, though the investigation dates back to nearly a decade ago. Princeton has agreed to pay close to $1 million in back pay to its female professors, reported CNN.
According to CNN, 106 women professors in full-time positions were paid less than their male counterparts. Though the findings were only preliminary, the university and the office reached an early resolution this month. The school agreed to pay $925,000 in back pay and at least $250,000 in future salary adjustments.
The university has also agreed to conduct statistical analyses to determine further significant disparities against female professors, as well as pay equity training for its staff.
Princeton has not admitted liability in the investigation, said Ben Chang, a spokesman for the university. In fact, Princeton “continues to assert that it complied with both the letter and the spirit of the law.”
Chang said that the allegation was based on a flawed statistical model that grouped all full professors together regardless of department and thus bore no resemblance to how the university operates, hires, evaluates or compensates professors.
