Behind the Scenes: A Courtroom Drama of Disqualification and Denials
Adding a twist worthy of a courtroom drama, the district’s original legal team from Cozen O’Connor was disqualified just weeks before the first trial. U.S. District Judge Michael M. Baylson, with longstanding ties to the firm, chose not to recuse himself, prompting a reshuffle in the district’s legal defense.
Meanwhile, not all of Cartee-Haring’s claims survived. The court dismissed her accusations under Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act concerning her termination as a lacrosse coach. Her Equal Pay Act claim, however, remained intact and ultimately led to Thursday’s verdict.
Comparators and Compensation: The Battle Over Pay Standards
One critical hurdle for the plaintiffs was the court’s demand to pinpoint specific male comparators—male teachers who held equivalent roles and responsibilities. The school district pushed back, asserting that the selected comparators differed in job duties or required credentials, thereby justifying the pay gap.
Still, the jury found the evidence compelling enough to side with the women — a decision that could ripple through similar lawsuits challenging public sector compensation policies.
