White professor sues NMSU for racial discrimination after earning less than African-American colleagues

A white professor at the University of New Jersey recently sued the school for racial discrimination after he discovered that two black colleagues with “similar qualifications and experience” earned $45,000 more per year than he did.

William T. Lavell, 66, filed the lawsuit against Camden College of New Jersey on Friday (March 26). He previously discovered the pay gap through the state’s public records law.

In the lawsuit, Lavell said two black professors, Roberts and Chatman, earned more than he did despite having “similar qualifications and experience.

Lavelle has taught at the university for 26 years. Roberts has more than 31 years of teaching experience, and Chatman has 30 years, online records show.

Lavelle’s salary in 2021 will be $91,923, Roberts’ $137,157 and Chatman’s $142,606, the records show.

Vice Chancellor Kathleen Kane is accused of “refusing to investigate or resolve plaintiff Lavelle’s complaints of racial discrimination,” the lawsuit says.

According to the lawsuit, Lavelle, who lives in Maryland, is seeking more than $150,000 in damages from the school.

There’s a reason why discrimination laws exist,” said Jamison Mark, an attorney hired by Lavelle. Whether you are white, black or brown, it doesn’t matter, you should not be treated unfairly.”