Legal Advocacy Fund Cases
Dace v. University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth
Case History
Letitia Dace, a professor of English at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, sued the university for sex discrimination in promotion. Dace was employed by UMass-Dartmouth since 1980 as a professor and, from 1980-86, as a dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. In 1995 she applied for, but was denied, a promotion from full professor to chancellor professor. Of the 49 men and 11 women who applied for the position, 14 people were promoted: 13 men and one woman. The position of chancellor professor was created to reward long-term teaching experience. Dace believes that she was at least as qualified as the male professors who received the promotion and that the university discriminated against her on the basis of sex. Dace filed a grievance with her union and won, but the university took no measures to correct the situation. Dace filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and subsequently filed a lawsuit in state court in July 1997.
In 1999, Dace filed a second lawsuit against the University in state court, alleging retaliation. The Superior Court dismissed this case and ordered Dace to pay defendant's attorney fees. Dace appealed the decision to appellate court unsuccessfully.
In Spring 2003, Dace's suits settled. Though the terms of the settlements are confidential, Dace reported that the suits were settled to the satisfaction of the parties involved.
Key Case Issues
Sex discrimination in promotion