Faranak Pahlevani, a female Penn State Abington mathematics professor of Iranian descent, has sued the university for discrimination and pay inequity.

According to court documents, Pahlevani claims she has been “treated less favorably” and is paid less than a white male colleague, “despite their work requiring equal skill, effort and responsibilities.”

The Centre Daily Times reported that she is seeking the difference between the wages, liquidated damages in an amount equal to back wages due and attorneys’ fees, and additional relief as found by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

According to Penn State’s Daily Collegian, Dr. Pahlevani allegedly brought the matter to Penn State’s legal counsel attention several times, but the university has failed to address matter.

In July 2022, both Dr. Pahlevani and the white male colleague were both promoted to the rank of full professor. The specific disparity in pay, or Pahlevani’s current pay rate, was not disclosed in the filing.

Dr. Pahlevani has demanded a jury trial, according to court documents. This is at least the fourth filed lawsuit against Penn State this year involving discrimination, including De Piero’s last month.

In May 2022, Pahlevani received the annual Scholar Award, which is granted to a full-time faculty member who has had significant scholarly or creative accomplishments in the past three years.

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Photo courtesy of Penn State Abington