February 22, 2022
BU Today recently published insight featuring Patricia Cortes, Associate Professor in Markets, Public Policy, and Law, on the recent legal settlement by the US Soccer Federation, which has announced that pay will be equalized between the men’s and women’s soccer teams going forward.
This article discusses the dispute, which began in 2016, followed by a gender discrimination lawsuit that was filed 3 years later but was dismissed by the court in 2020. US Soccer Federation president Carlos Cordeiro resigned amid the blowback, and was replaced by Cindy Parlow Cone, the first woman to hold the position. The settlement has been termed a success in helping raise awareness of gender pay disparity in sports and society more broadly. In a question-and-answer session, Patricia details the six-year legal and cultural battle and what it will mean in the long run.
“The field of sports is very different, so the particulars of the situation cannot be used. But at the same time, it raises awareness, and awareness is important. That women should earn the same and fighting for it is worth it.”
Patricia Cortes
Associate Professor, MARKETS, PUBLIC POLICY, & LAW
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