CU Denver Faces Class Action Alleging Persistent Gender Pay Gaps Among Faculty - USA Herald

The University of Colorado Denver is facing a class action lawsuit filed by 21 female faculty members alleging persistent gender pay gaps in violation of Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The lawsuit claims the university conducted internal compensation audits revealing widespread salary disparities but failed to correct them or provide back pay. While a similar review at CU Boulder led to a $4.5 million settlement, CU Denver’s equity analysis was not publicly disclosed and allegedly contained methodological flaws, including combining gender and race into a single variable and excluding non-tenure track faculty.

The plaintiffs estimate that hundreds of female faculty members, particularly those in non-tenure track positions, were underpaid compared to their male counterparts, citing examples of professors earning significantly less despite comparable experience. They further allege that repeated attempts to address these gaps through faculty meetings and formal grievances were largely ignored or rejected based on legally invalid justifications.

The proposed class action seeks back pay for up to six years, salary adjustments, lost retirement benefits, and changes to the university’s practices to prevent future violations. Attorneys for the faculty declined to comment, and the University of Colorado Regents have not yet responded to requests for comment.

(Source：USA Herald)