Adventures in hiring and not hiring at Marquette and Seton Hall

A Tale of Two Searches: A Special Report | Anne Hendershott | Catholic World Report

Adventures in hiring and not hiring at Marquette and Seton Hall

Although we are very far from the “best of times” for Catholic higher education, things seemed to be moving away from the worst, at least for a few weeks this spring. Marquette University’s decision to withdraw an administrative appointment to an openly lesbian faculty member whose publications have denigrated Catholic teachings on marriage, sexuality, and the family gave faithful Catholics a glimmer of hope that those running Catholic colleges are beginning to notice the problems there. And in a search for a new president this year at Seton Hall University, it was encouraging to learn that a finalist for the position was a faithful priest, Msgr. Stuart Swetland, who has been directly involved in revitalizing Catholic identity in higher education.

Unfortunately, the outcome of this presidential search has ended badly. Though Seton Hall officials deny it, strong resistance from some on the faculty to hiring an orthodox Catholic to lead the school had an impact on the outcome. Still, that an orthodox candidate even made it that far is noteworthy in today’s climate. 

Marquette University’s decision to withdraw an offer to Jodi O’Brien, a self-described “sexuality scholar,” to become dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the Jesuit-led institution continues to divide the faculty. Ms. O’Brien reached a settlement with the university, but her supporters maintain that she is the victim of homophobia. Those on the faculty who have openly criticized her hiring say that it is not her sexual orientation that disqualifies her, but rather the fact that her publications disparage Catholic moral teachings on marriage, sexuality, and the family.

In a post-settlement letter sent to the Marquette community, Marquette President Father Robert A. Wild wrote, “we have apologized to Dr. O’Brien for the way in which this was handled and for the upset and unwanted attention that we have caused to this outstanding teacher and scholar.” But Father Wild also added that he stands by his decision to rescind the employment offer “which was made in the context of Marquette’s commitment to its mission and identity.”

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Comments

[Nancy D.]

All one has to do is look at the mandatum that is not a Mandatum on the U.S.C.C.B. website to understand that unless The Bishops take their vocation seriously, the apostasy will continue. The fact that there are those who continue to claim that one can be in communion with the Catholic Church while being autonomous, is more than disturbing, it is a lie from the start.

[T. Shaw]

Here is a book you may want to read/review: "The Five Year Party" (don't know how to underline here) by Craig Brandon. It may be the opus on contemporary higher education.

From the August 9, 2010 WSJ review: "The alcohol-soaked, sex-saturated, drug-infested campuses . . . are real." I know. My third child is a senior at a big Jesuit U. It's been a struggle all the way.

PS: I didn't need a professor of, or a sexuality scholar. I learned everything I needed in the locker room.