Ethics, Employment Law, and Faith-Based Universities: When Law and Faith Collide

Description

What happens when laws change in such a way that violate religious beliefs? This is a question that faith-based universities all over the country are grappling with since the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015. While faith-based universities typically work very hard to obey discrimination laws, the perceived threat to the ability to conduct business as usual is causing considerable concern. This paper addresses the issue from two perspectives: the admission of homosexual students to faith-based universities, and the employment of homosexual employees at these same schools. Faith-based university leaders need to be certain that the policies and practices of their schools are written in such a way as to limit potential risk, while at the same time protecting their religious liberties. This paper attempts to give some guidance and direction to faith-based universities in applying discrimination laws and to open a dialogue about the ethical obligations to do so.