California Research Institute Settles Gender Discrimination Suits Filed by Female Scientist

Los Angeles, CA (Law Firm Newswire) October 31, 2018 – The Salk Institute for Biological Studies agreed to a settlement in two gender discrimination lawsuits filed by its female researchers.

Salk President Fred “Rusty” Gage and the plaintiffs Katherine Jones and Vicki Lundblad announced the agreement in a joint statement.

Jones and Lundblad, who still work at Salk, filed separate lawsuits last year alleging the biomedical research center discriminated against them in terms of pay, promotions and funding. Deborah Dixon, the women’s lawyer, said she could not discuss the settlement terms, as they are confidential.

A third female researcher, Beverly Emerson, also filed a lawsuit which is still pending. Emerson left Salk after her contract expired in December. In the wake of the news about the other settlements, Emerson’s lawyer Alreen Haeggquist told Science, “Dr. Emerson intends to proceed until justice is fully achieved.”

Betsy Havens, executive director of Los Angeles employment law firm Strong Advocates, fights for those who have been discriminated against because of their gender.

“Working women still face too many obstacles to fair employment – especially in industries that are male-dominated,” said Havens. “I commend the brave female scientists for speaking out to build an equal work environment.”

Based in La Jolla, California, the Salk Institute is a renowned private, nonprofit research center founded by Jonas Salk, the developer of the polio vaccine.

To learn more about gender discrimination, contact Strong Advocates and take a strong step toward the pursuit of justice.

Learn more at https://www.strongadvocates.com. Strong Advocates 6080 Center Dr #600 Los Angeles, CA 90045 Phone: (310) 504-1490 Strong Advocates Blog