Federal Equal Pay Act and Massachusetts Equal Pay Act Claims Move Forward
Harvard also sought to dismiss Stone’s claims under both the federal and state Equal Pay Acts. However, Judge Boal ruled that the Massachusetts Equal Pay Act’s three-year statute of limitations applied and that Stone sufficiently alleged Harvard had willfully violated federal pay equity laws, which extend the filing deadline from two to three years.
Citing the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which recognizes that each discriminatory paycheck resets the statute of limitations, Judge Boal noted that Stone’s federal pay bias claims—dating back to 2017—could proceed. However, she clarified that Stone’s Massachusetts pay equity claim could only cover alleged violations from July 2021 onward.
A Battle Over Harvard’s Handling of Misconduct Allegations
Stone’s legal battle is also fueled by the way Harvard responded to misconduct allegations against her. In early 2023, media reports surfaced accusing her of fostering a toxic team environment. She contends that the allegations stemmed from a disgruntled former player and that Harvard initially assured her that her legacy would outshine the controversy.
However, rather than allowing Stone to publicly defend herself, Harvard launched an outside investigation—something she claims male coaches had routinely been shielded from. She alleges she was forced into retirement in June 2023, only for the university to later release findings concluding that the women’s hockey program had not engaged in hazing.
