Getting divorced? Well, you're also fired

Oklahoma Christian University says divorce sets a bad example for students.

Published January 13, 2006 9:03PM (EST)

Woe be unto those professors who teach at Oklahoma Christian University. If their marriages deteriorate and they file for divorce, they may also be out of a job.

The university has reportedly proposed a policy that would let higher-ups fire employees who get divorced. By way of explanation, university brass sent a letter to faculty saying, "Because the Christian mission of the university is most effectively fulfilled through mentoring and example, all married faculty and staff should strive to model (healthy) marriages to students."

Sure. Because nothing says "healthy marriage" like sticking together out of fear of professional reprisals.

But also, can't you just imagine the conversations? What are you supposed to do if your spouse takes up with an auto mechanic? "Honey, I'm leaving you." "But I'm about to get tenure!"

University president Mike O'Neal doesn't see what the big deal is, saying the policy wouldn't mean everyone who got divorced would automatically lose their jobs. Instead, faculty would have their breakups evaluated according to the particulars of "each individual case."

Yeah, I'm sure that makes the OCU profs feel a lot better.


By Page Rockwell

Page Rockwell is Salon's editorial project manager.

MORE FROM Page Rockwell


Related Topics ------------------------------------------

Broadsheet Love And Sex