In the case of Shaakirrah Sanders v. University of Idaho, former law professor Shaakirrah Sanders reached a $750,000 settlement in her racial and gender discrimination lawsuit against the university. The resolution follows a mistrial that occurred in October 2022. Sanders, who filed the lawsuit in June 2019, alleged she had been twice passed over for associate dean positions and faced retaliation after raising concerns about unequal pay and discriminatory treatment.
As a tenured, salaried professor earning over $133,000 annually at the time of her resignation, Sanders also claimed she was required to teach more than the standard 12 credit hours per semester and was removed from courses in her area of expertise. The university denied all allegations but agreed to a settlement signed by a federal judge on September 13.
The agreement includes a lump sum payment of nearly $45,000, followed by monthly payments of approximately $2,900 for 20 years, funded through a $201,400 contribution by the university. Sanders’ attorneys at Strindberg & Scholnick will also receive nearly $504,000 in legal fees.
Lessons Learned from the Case:
- Even tenured, salaried employees at senior academic levels are not immune to discriminatory practices.
- Institutions must actively address discrimination complaints to avoid legal consequences and reputational damage.
- Pursuing justice through legal channels can lead to resolution, even after delays or setbacks.
- Settlements and legal costs can be substantial, reinforcing the need for proactive equity and inclusion practices.
If you want to know more about salaried employee rights, read our guide on What are my rights as a salaried employee in Idaho?
