A settlement in excess of $1 million has been reached in the discrimination suit filed by former associate director Jenny Moshak and two former Lady Vols strength coaches against the University of Tennessee.
The gender discrimination and retaliation suit was filed against the university in the fall of 2012 and the court has justified the plaintiffs' appeal by compelling the school to reach a monetary settlement.
The university has guaranteed a $750,000 settlement with Moshak, Heather Mason and Collin Schlosser excluding the attorneys' fees determined by the court. Later, the penalty reached a total settlement of more than $1 million.
In the suit filed by Moshak, Mason and Schlosser, the three said they received less compensation compared to employees with similar positions and are performing comparable tasks. They alluded that this discrepancy is resulted from their gender and affiliation with women's teams.
"The resolution of this matter stands as a testament to the importance of equality for women in sports and those working with women in sports," Stewart and Banks said in a statement. "This settlement sends a clear message to collegiate decision-makers nationwide that disparity in pay, opportunity, funding, participation or otherwise is unacceptable in this day and time."
The school, despite having paid the fees, continues to deny the complaint of their former employees. School officials released a statement saying, "the university unequivocally denies that any of the three former employees suffered any discrimination or retaliation."
Moreover, the terms of the settlement agreement purportedly stated that the university is not paying in admission of liability. Instead, the school officials made it clear that paying the fees is simply for the school's best long-term interest. Vice chancellor Margie Nichols said the school would have no additional comment.
Under terms of the settlement, Moshak will receive $345,000, Mason will get $277,500 and Schlosser will receive $127,500. The money will be taken from the athletic department revenues and won't use other university funds like student tuition to settle the suit.
Currently, none of the three plaintiffs remains at the university.
