Christy Palmer was employed as an assistant to the head librarian at JSU, a state college in the state of Jefferson. During the first ten years of her employment with JSU libraries, Christy had a number of responsibilities related to the administration and operation of the library. She worked 40 hours per week and earned $60,000 annually. Christy reported directly to the head librarian, Dean Keits, who made $76,000 annually.
During her eleventh year, Dean Keits retired. After his retirement and while JSU searched for another head librarian, Christy was appointed temporary acting head librarian. Christy performed all of the Dean Keit’s responsibilities for no additional pay. Finally, after one year of searching and interviewing candidates, JSU selected a new head librarian named Ronald Pent. Christy did not know Ronald Pent previously, but discovered he was formerly head of the engineering library situated on a separate part of JSU’s campus. Ronald Pent’s starting salary as head of JSU’s libraries is $70,000.
Christy wonders whether she has grounds to file a pay discrimination lawsuit. Apply the facts and circumstances to the prima facie test for pay discrimination and determine whether Christy can maintain a case. Next, identify three ways JSU might defend the pay disparity between Christy and Ronald Pent.