Coty Richardson was working at Northwest Christian University in Eugene as an assistant professor of exercise science when she disclosed to her supervisor that she was pregnant.
She says her supervisor inquired about her marital status and that she explained that she is not married to the father of her unborn child, but the two are in a long-term relationship. Richardson says she was told that sexual relations outside of marriage are in conflict with the university's values and she was given an ultimatum: either break off the relationship with her partner, or get married before the start of the fall semester. She declined to comply and Richardson is no longer employed by the university. She is suing her former employer for wrongful termination.
GUESTS:
- Coty Richardson: Plaintiff in the lawsuit against Northwest Christian University
- Kate von Ter Stegge: Senior assistant county attorney for Multnomah County, specializing in employment law
Editor's Note: Northwest Christian University declined to talk with us about the case or about their policies more generally. We received this statement from President Joseph D. Womack:
“Northwest Christian University is an academic community comprised of students, faculty, and staff who are created in the image of God, and we honor each individual in the spirit of Christian charity, compassion, and mutual accountability. As a Christian institution of higher education, we exercise our mission within the covenants and freedoms inspired by our faith tradition. With regard to the current lawsuit, we are under legal counsel, and cannot comment on this matter.”