A white professor sued Tuskegee University for age and racial discrimination regarding his salary.
What We Know:
- Marshall Burns, 73, is a physics professor at the HBCU. He claims his younger coworkers make $18,000 to $30,000 more than him.
- He received his Ph.D. in 1972, and he’s been teaching at the university since 1976. He also helped found the university’s first physics major. Despite teaching for over 40 years, Burns claims he makes $60,500 a year. He’s also requested a raise 12 times.
- Burns has a 12-page lawsuit that outlines how Black teachers make more money than him. At a press conference, Burns said, “I’m not a greedy person, I applaud people who are successful. They’ve earned it. I think I’ve earned it, but I haven’t received it. I have tried and tried and tried everything I know.”
- Burns’ attorney feels making this a legal matter was a last resort for her client to get the pay he deserves. The suit states, “Tuskegee has ungratefully kept (Burns) at an associate level of pay for his entire academic career.” He stated that he has no intentions on quitting, he just wants the salary he’s worked for.
- Burns was very vocal about his love for teaching despite the financial and emotional stress he’s endured over the years. “At Tuskegee, I’ve had classes with students, who are go-getters and very smart. That’s what gives me enthusiasm to teach.”
The amount he’s suing for is unknown, and the university hasn’t commented.
