Can a private religious university claim to be an EOE if they hire on grounds of religion and sex orientation?

Question

A university in my community will only hire heterosexual, born-again Christians, which is certainly their right as a private instituation, but they say in their job postings that they are an Equal Opportunity Employer-- isn't that false by definition?

Answer 1

Any private entity has every right to hire according to their own standards.

Answer 2

No the law/government allows a few narrow exceptions...Just because they exclude non christians and homosexuals (which are not a protected class by the way) they are still EOE if as a religious institution require that any applicant meet their religious standards. A student metriculating there has a reasonalbe expectation that instruction at the college/school will be consistant with their religious beleifs.

Answer 3

"A university in my community will only hire heterosexual, born-again Christians, which is certainly their right as a private instituation."

Actually, it ISN'T their right to do that. They cannot discriminate on the basis of religion or sexual orientation.

Answer 4

Yes, they can.

It is permitted to discriminate even against protected classes IF you can prove that it is a "BFOQ", a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification.

To prove this with your examples, they would have to show conclusively that a Buddhist could not teach Catholics how to be Catholics, or that a same-sex-orientation made them unqualified in some way.

I'm not saying that it is as simple as ALLEGING that, (it's not) or that it is a slam-dunk. I'm just saying that's HOW they could do it and still claim to be in compliance with EO standards.

It's perfectly reasonable. Being Equal Opportunity doesn't mean you have no standards at all, it just means the standards have to be genuinely related to the job.

And, yes, I would expect that relligious institutions would have issues with certain life-styles that suggest a lack of moral fiber, such as unwed mothers, homosexuals, prostitutes, drug addicts, or former lawyers, and question whether someone not OF the school's religious denomination could adequately teach the tenets of that denomination.

Answer 5

In my opinion that should not be allowed. As a religious institution they are allowed to worship with whom they think is worthy and reject those they think are not worthy.

But as an employer, they are acting as a civil entity and should be required to follow all laws regarding equal employment opportunity.

I recognize that sexual orientation is not protected in most places under labor laws. But it is clearly illegal to deny employment because of someone's religion. In fact, it is against the law to inquire as to someone's religion when interviewing them for a job.

Could you reveal the name of this institution?

EDIT: hypofocus, I really don't care if they are allowed to call themselves an EOE because they clearly are NOT one,, no matter what the regulations say.

Answer 6

Let's count how many people completely miss the point of the question - whether they can claim to be an EOE, not whether they can discriminate. One so far.

Answer 7

They can claim it because if you want to dispute it you will have to be able to prove it. they can always say that it was some other reason such as the other person was more qualified for the position.

Answer 8

Yes it is. And just plain stupid.
It's also illegal. Sue them if they wont give you a job. Thats illegal.

Answer 9

I would say so, but you would have to find real evidence of that.