Today was Eli Capilouto’s first day in office as the University of Kentucky’s new president. In celebration, we’d like to highlight part of his legacy at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, where he was provost before replacing retiring UK president Lee Todd Jr.
Her name is Dr. Rosalia Scripa. Here is her story, as told in The Lexington Herald-Leader:
Rosalia Scripa came to UAB in 1976 as its first female engineering professor, eventually becoming an associate provost. Working on a National Science Foundation grant, she found that some female professors were being paid less than their male counterparts. After she told Capilouto about her findings, according to her lawsuit, Capilouto and the director of human resources asked her to look at different data to see whether it would show the salaries “in a more favorable light.”
Soon afterward, according to the lawsuit, Capilouto demoted Scripa, saying she was “not well-suited” for her job. She was asked to sign a letter saying she was stepping down for personal reasons.
The lawsuit was settled out of court. Scripa declined to comment about the lawsuit, saying only that she stands by the allegations.
Capilouto won’t discuss the lawsuit, either. (Wild)Cat got your tongue, Mr. President? You can view the lawsuit here.
Also, this guy has donated to winners like George W. Bush and Mitch McConnell.
At least we still have Calipari…