High Stakes for Amherst College as Wage Dispute Heads to Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court

The halls of academia aren't always quiet, and right now, Amherst College finds itself at the center of a rather intense legal dispute. We're talking about a case that's now landed squarely before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC), and it could have some pretty significant repercussions, not just for the college, but for employers right across the state.

At the heart of the matter are allegations that Amherst College didn't quite play by the rules when it came to how often it paid its employees. Specifically, two former staff members, J.T. Martin and Danielle Amodeo, contend the college violated the Massachusetts Wage Act by paying them monthly instead of the legally required biweekly schedule. It might seem like a small detail to some, but for employees, getting paid on time and in accordance with the law can make all the difference, and the Wage Act is very clear on these matters.

J.T. Martin, who previously directed the Queer Resource Center from 2017 to 2023, claims he's owed a substantial sum – around $79,099 in gross wages that, he argues, were delivered later than legally mandated. He’s not alone in this fight; Danielle Amodeo, an alumna from the class of 2013 who worked as a public programs and marketing coordinator, is also part of the lawsuit, asserting that she received $22,532 in gross wages later than the law required. Both, represented in part by attorney Raymond Dinsmore for Amodeo, are simply seeking what they believe is rightfully theirs, according to the letter of the law.

The journey to the SJC has been a winding one, starting back in December 2024 when these allegations first surfaced. Interestingly, Amherst College did switch back to paying its employees bi-weekly by April 2025, a move that speaks volumes, though it doesn't negate past claims. However, the case hit a snag in October 2025 when a Hampshire Superior Court judge, James M. Manitsas, initially dismissed it. The judge cited an exemption for the college based on a fiscal budget bill signed by Governor Maura Healey that previous July. But that wasn't the end of it, not by a long shot. By February 26, 2026, the case was transferred to the SJC, and the plaintiffs' legal team filed their appeal brief just last month, on March 25.

Now, why is this particular case generating so much buzz? Well, the Massachusetts Wage Act is pretty strict. It demands that most employees, even those exempt from overtime, be paid at least semi-monthly, unless they voluntarily choose a different arrangement. And here's the kicker: violations aren't taken lightly. A precedent-setting SJC ruling from April 2022, Reuter v. City of Methuen, really drove home the idea of "strict liability" for employers who fail to pay wages on time. What's more, the law carries a hefty penalty: mandatory triple damages, plus court costs and attorneys' fees, for any violations of the weekly wage requirements. Imagine what that could mean for the college if the SJC rules in favor of the former employees.

The entire legal community, and certainly many employers in Massachusetts, will be watching closely as the SJC deliberates. A decision is anticipated by December 26, 2026, and depending on how it shakes out, this case could redefine what colleges and other institutions understand about their obligations under the Massachusetts Wage Act. It’s more than just a dispute over late pay; it's about setting a clear standard for employee compensation across the Commonwealth.