Tell Marquette University: Stop Anti-Gay Discrimination in Hiring

[Ian David]

Tell Marquette University: Stop Anti-Gay Discrimination in Hiring


Targeting: Brigin O'Brien Miller (Director of University Communication) and Fr. Robert Wild (President, Marquette University)
Started by: Michael Jones

Marquette University has rescinded a job offer to a lesbian sociology professor, Jodi O'Brien, who has an outstanding record of scholarship and teaching experience. While the university has insisted that their actions weren't homophobic, the've gone on record saying that the Professor O'Brien's scholarship dealing with LGBT discrimination runs counter to the tenets of Marquette University.

That's a shame. Scholars who work on cutting-edge social issues should be welcome at all universities. Indeed, Marquette has recognized Professor O'Brien's scholarship and even recruited her for the job, before outside pressure came in to push the school to rescind the job offer, solely because of O'Brien's sexual orientation and work on LGBT issues.

A group of faculty (not to mention students) have put pressure on the University to get Marquette to issue an apology for their anti-gay behavior, but to reinstate the job offer to Professor O'Brien. If her scholarship and teaching experience were good enough to get her recruited for the position, then the University ought to be willing to stand next to her despite homophobic opposition.

Colleges and universities should be about making sure the best teachers succeed and touch the lives of students. Instead, Marquette's handling of this situation sent the message that LGBT teachers are not welcome at their university, and won't be in the future. Is that really the message Marquette University wants to send to the rest of the country?


More:
http://www.change.org/petitions/view/tell_marquette_university_stop_anti-gay_discrimination_in_hiring