by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
(May 28, 2008) A high ranking administrator at the University of Toledo has decided to sue after being fired for writing an editorial expressing her Christian views against homosexuality.
Crystal Dixon, an African American, responded to an opinion article written by the editor-in-chief of the Toledo Free Press. Her response, entitled “Gay Rights and Wrongs; another perspective ” Dixon wrote, “As a Black woman . . . 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.”
Even though Dixon wrote the column as a private citizen, University of Toledo president Dr. Lloyd Jacobs chose to respond to her column by writing his own in which he distanced her views from those of the University.
Shortly thereafter, Dixon received a letter informing her of her termination. It stated, “The public position you have taken in the Toledo Free Press is in direct contradiction to university policies and procedures as well as the core values of the strategic plan which is mission critical.”
The letter said that her position on the subject raises the question of whether she is able to continue in her role as administrator in charge of personnel actions and decisions. The result, the letter said, “is a loss of confidence in you as an administrator.”
Dixon responded by hiring the Thomas More Law Center (TMLC), a national Christian public interest law firm, to represent her in a lawsuit.
“Where is the so-called free expression of ideas that universities so adamantly defend in other contexts?” asked Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of TMLC. “Not only does Crystal Dixon have a constitutional right to express her opinion, but that opinion represents the view of a majority of Christian Americans. Christians believe that homosexual acts are acts of grave depravity, contrary to the natural law, and under no circumstances can they be approved. Christians also believe one must love the sinner, but hate the sin. Crystal Dixon believed and expressed this — essentially she was fired for being a Christian.”
Saying that he is proud to represent such a courageous Christian woman, Thompson chided the University. The University of Toledo brags about being friendly to ‘lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning individuals.’ They apparently are also proud of their hostility toward Christians.”
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