Continuing Conversation on Pay Equity

Dear All,

I am writing to continue our conversation about the lawsuit regarding pay equity.

I am enormously grateful to you for your faith in Vassar—in good times and in challenging times, too. Given that Vassar is one of the foremost liberal arts colleges in the country, and one founded originally to educate women, I know the news of the recent lawsuit is unsettling and has left some feeling confused, angry, or hurt.

The faculty members who made these claims are highly valued members of our community and integral to the quality of education at Vassar. I am grateful for their ongoing commitment and dedication to the students and to their education and research activities. The matters raised by the lawsuit are important. 

Vassar is fully committed to gender pay equity and has always been committed to gender equality, seeking to promote equity in all that it does.

Due to the pending litigation, the College cannot address the matter in detail. I know this makes it very difficult for all of us. Still, I am committed to communicating with you on behalf of the College in the most transparent way possible. I will do my best, working within the limitations that we have.

First, on salary itself. Recent media reports have identified differences in Vassar’s average faculty salaries for women as compared to men; however, as is so often the case, averages do not tell a complete story. At Vassar, as at many colleges and universities, faculty salaries are determined by several factors. These can include, for instance, academic field, years in the position, and peer evaluations of performance. Average salaries do not account for these factors and therefore can be misleading.

Second, it is also important to understand that, at Vassar, annual faculty salary increases are guided by a faculty-led peer-review process. This process is detailed in the Faculty Handbook and in our Governance. 

Third, we must continue to make informed progress. To that end, I have invited our Faculty Compensation Committee to participate in selecting a third-party compensation analysis firm to use our data and assess pay equity relative to our salary policies and practices, making recommendations for adjustments if needed. In addition, I would like the firm to work with us over the longer term on considering a new approach to establishing annual faculty salary increases. The academy has learned much about inclusive pedagogy that fosters thriving in every student, using varying and creative approaches to learning. We are also continuously learning about equity in recruitment and hiring. The faculty salary policies and practices were designed forty years ago and would benefit from a re-examination, although by the College’s Governance, this process must be undertaken and approved by the faculty. 

Vassar has long fought against all gender-based disparities in society. It is a basis for our being. We remain profoundly committed to this work.

While resolving this matter will take time, my hope is that we will learn along the way and may emerge as an even stronger community. I firmly believe we are a community that can disagree and still work effectively together on our shared purpose—to provide the highest quality liberal arts education in a diverse and inclusive environment. We will continue to provide a remarkable experience for students, faculty, administrators, and staff.

Thank you for your support and please reach out to me if you have additional questions or reflections.

Elizabeth H. Bradley, President 
Vassar College 
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604 
@EHBVassar