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University Fires Human Resources VP For Anti-Gay Statements

By Howard M. Friedman

Last month, Crystal Dixon, who was Associate Vice President for Human Resources at the University of Toledo, wrote an op-ed in the Toledo (OH) Free Press which read in part: "I take great umbrage at the notion that those choosing the homosexual lifestyle are 'civil rights victims.' Here's why. I cannot wake up tomorrow and not be a Black woman. I am genetically and biologically a Black woman and very pleased to be so as my Creator intended. Daily, thousands of homosexuals make a life decision to leave the gay lifestyle...." University of Toledo President, Dr. Lloyd Jacobs, quickly responded in another column, saying: "Although I recognize it is common knowledge that Crystal Dixon is associate vice president for Human Resources at the University of Toledo, her comments do not accord with the values of the University of Toledo. It is necessary, therefore, for me to repudiate much of her writing and to make this attempt to clarify our values system."

The University also fired Dixon after she refused the alternative of a demotion and pay cut. (Toledo Free Press.) Today's Toledo Blade reports that Dixon now says that her First Amendment free speech and free exercise of religion rights were infringed by the University's actions. She says she had a divine mandate to write the column and that she was speaking as a private citizen. However a University spokesman said that Dixon's public expressions called into question her ability to perform in her human resources position.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on May 15, 2008 (boomark / email).