Syracuse University’s faculty salary report provided a much-needed reality check for the gender wage gap

Amid a cultural shift in women’s activism and support, a recently released salary report found wage discrepancies between men and women faculty members at Syracuse University. The report’s findings show that while progress has been made, the glass ceiling is still firmly in place.

The report reviewed salaries for tenured, associate and assistant professors and disclosed significant salary differences between SU and its peer institutions. In response, Chancellor Kent Syverud announced a portion of the funds from the Invest Syracuse initiative will go toward narrowing the salary gap, with a deadline goal set at July 1, 2018.

The Daily Orange Editorial Board commends the university for setting a deadline to correct these disparities. Syverud’s Fast Forward initiative has consistently highlighted the need for increased diversity and inclusivity on SU’s campus. And when women professors are rightfully paid, the allocation of Invest Syracuse funds to cover faculty wages is representative of the initiative creating tangible change to correct systemic wrongs.

This change — which supports faculty members as the backbone of SU — will benefit students most in the long term. When advocating for better resources for the greater SU community, it’s vital to keep in mind that above all else, our educators are what help us stand out and maintain our exceptionalism.

Going forward, SU should maintain this level of transparency regarding faculty salaries if it wants to continue labeling itself as a progressive and inclusive campus.

Every school and college on campus has its own unique buildings and facilities that help it stand out. But it’s the faculty members who set apart the mundane from the noteworthy. And if SU values inclusivity in its community, it’s essential to remember that faculty members must be included in that narrative.

The Daily Orange Editorial Board serves as the voice of the organization and aims to contribute the perspectives of students to discussions that concern Syracuse University and the greater Syracuse community. The editorial board’s stances are determined by a majority of its members. You can read more about the editorial board here. Are you interested in pitching a topic for the editorial board to discuss? Email opinion@dailyorange.com.