Female law professors hope settlement leads to change

Professor Lucy Marsh, left, is hugged by fellow law professor K.K. DuVivier after an announcement that a judge has indicated support for a $2.66-million settlement in a lawsuit against the University of Denver law school on behalf of the two and five other female law professors who were paid less than their male colleagues at a news conference Thursday, May 17, 2018, in Denver. Marsh filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which prompted the agency to review the dispute and file the suit. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) Professor Lucy Marsh, left, is hugged by fellow law professor K.K. DuVivier after an announcement that a judge has indicated support for a $2.66-million settlement in a lawsuit against the University of Denver law school on behalf of the two and five other female law professors who were paid less than their male colleagues at a news conference Thursday, May 17, 2018, in Denver. Marsh filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which prompted the agency to review the dispute and file the suit. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

By Associated Press May 17, 2018 4 min read

DENVER (AP) – After 31 years working at a law school in Denver, Lucy Marsh learned that she remained the lowest-paid professor on staff. She also was among the most experienced, surpassed by only one other person.

The disclosure in a department memo set off years of litigation against the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law that ended Thursday with a $2.6 million legal settlement for March and six other women.

While the agreement almost entirely focuses on the law school, the women and officials with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission hope it prompts change throughout higher education.

Federal officials said the case demonstrates the pervasiveness of lower pay for women, even affecting the law professors who were highly educated and considered experts in their field.

“If unequal pay can happen to women in that position, you know it’s happening to women in many other positions,” said Mary Jo O’Neil, EEOC’s regional attorney.