Staff Edit: Fairness in salaries

A new study has shown that salary discrepancies at Boston University is more than just a fairy tale, and that women professors are in fact paid lower salaries than their male counterparts. The study, which began last year after administrators finally decided to take part in the American Association of University Professors salary survey, also revealed that BU professors overall are paid lower salaries than at other competing universities.

A refusal among BU administrators to take part in the survey before 2004 reflects poor decision-making during earlier administrations. Prior to last year, the university refused to reveal any data on the matter.

BU could face a dip in the quality of professors it attracts if the salary discrepancies are continued, and President Robert Brown should follow up on his promise to ensure any unfairness in paychecks is dealt with appropriately. Administrators can have no excuse for continuing gender discrimination, especially now in the 21st century.

But Brown, in announcing the findings of the study, is showing his willingness to accept criticism from the university community. If BU wants to raise its ranking in the lists of top universities, it should address these kinds of issues, as Brown has pledged to accomplish, and make room for further studies to analyze any other weaknesses in the university’s administration.

Considering BU is a school with a majority of female students, providing lower salaries to female professors is a poor reflection on the university’s commitment to ensuring gender equality.

The increased momentum in the university’s operations, with the opening of new state-of-the-art facilities and the installment of a new president, as well as other improvements that have been made, should not be let down by failing to correct discrepancies in professors’ pay.