Transgendered professor fights to keep her job
Transgendered professor fights to
keep her job
by Sharon Gittleman
Originally printed 2-15-2007 (Issue 1507 - Between The Lines News)
SPRING ARBOR - Julie Nemecek, 55, would like to keep her job as an associate professor of adult studies, teaching business and communications at Spring Arbor University.
The university wants her gone.
Why?
"Spring Arbor University has faced situations in the past where the actions of faculty members have been in direct conflict with the ideals we uphold," writes a spokesperson for the University in a release sent to BTL. "While it is not our practice to discuss the details of personnel matters, we can confirm that Spring Arbor University has made the decision to not renew John Nemecek's contract after the Spring semester."
"John" Nemecek is Julie Nemecek, a transgendered woman.
"I have a diagnosis of gender identity disorder," she said.
Nemecek first came to terms with her status in 2003, 15 years after she'd come to work for the university, which describes itself as an evangelical Christian institution.
She'd learned about GID, through her own research and from meetings with therapists, endocrinologists, her family physician and a Christian counselor, she said.
"My sense of self is entirely feminine," she said. "Gender identity disorder is the sense of self conflicting with your body."
Nemecek said scientific research has uncovered the genesis of GID. Everyone starts out in the womb as females. Sometime around the eight or 12th week, our bodies are washed with testosterone, transforming some fetuses into males.
"With people with gender identity disorder, the wash is not complete," she said. "There's a part of your brain connected with your sense of gender identity. For people with the disorder - that part of the brain matches the opposite birth sex."
When Nemecek shared her condition with the university in late 2005, she said their initial response was positive. She said they advised her to "be careful what you do at work in the classroom."
Then the restrictions became more aggressive, she said.
"They were, 'don't come to campus,' 'don't talk to anybody about this,' 'see a Christian counselor,'" said Nemecek, an ordained Baptist minister and a member of a Presbyterian church. "They wanted me to teach online classes."
The axe came down when she wore a Spring Arbor University T-shirt to the grocery store.
University officials told her she was violating a term of her contract by identifying herself as a Spring Arbor employee, she said.
Nemecek filed an Equal Employment Opportunity complaint.
At the end of December, the university informed her they'd decided not to renew her contract, which expired at the end of May, she said.
"Their position is because I have followed the medical advice - the hormones, I am in violation of some biblical standards," she said.
According to the release sent by Spring Arbor to BTL, the university expects faculty members to model Christian character as an example for its students.
That mandate is a critical part of the fabric of Spring Arbor University, is clearly communicated to students, faculty and administrators alike, and is protected by the U.S. Civil Rights Act and supported by the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, wrote the University spokesperson.
"We approach all situations like this with grace and in all cases work with the individual to give them the opportunity for restoration," the spokesperson wrote. "However, if they choose to persist with activities that are inconsistent with the Christian faith, we have a responsibility to take further action."
Nemecek is fighting to keep her job, with a mediation session between the parties scheduled for March 6.
She has a good case, said her attorney Randi Barnabee.
"I understand Spring Arbor may have some difficulty with the situation, but if they accept federal funds, they are subject to federal law," she said. "Federal law says its illegal for an employer to discriminate against a person if that person fails to meet the employer's sex stereotypes. That's the way the law has been interpreted."
Some Spring Arbor students recently organized a rally and a panel discussion to show their support for Nemecek.
Nemecek's status isn't a moral or religious failing; it's a medical issue said rally organizer, Drew Hinkle, 21.
"Julie has been there for over 15 years. Her faith and values are the same," he said. "She's the same person religiously."
Nemecek's conflict with the university is a big issue for students and faculty, he said.
"We're not trying to tear the school down," he said. "We're hoping to encourage the school to make the right choice."
Nemecek said she was touched by the student's efforts.
"I was very moved," she said.
Many individual's negative reaction to people with GID stems from ignorance of how the condition arises, said Nemecek.
"Part of it is they equate it with some kind of sexual perversion when it has nothing to do with sexual orientation or sexual gratification," she said.
She hopes to hear good news when her mediation session is completed.
"Believe it or not I'd like to keep working there," she said. "I enjoy what I'm doing and I'm good at it. I really like the Christian environment. I'd like to help them understand gender identity disorder more. If I ride out into the sunset, there's no one left to talk to them."
by Sharon Gittleman
Originally printed 2-15-2007 (Issue 1507 - Between The Lines News)
SPRING ARBOR - Julie Nemecek, 55, would like to keep her job as an associate professor of adult studies, teaching business and communications at Spring Arbor University.
The university wants her gone.
Why?
"Spring Arbor University has faced situations in the past where the actions of faculty members have been in direct conflict with the ideals we uphold," writes a spokesperson for the University in a release sent to BTL. "While it is not our practice to discuss the details of personnel matters, we can confirm that Spring Arbor University has made the decision to not renew John Nemecek's contract after the Spring semester."
"John" Nemecek is Julie Nemecek, a transgendered woman.
"I have a diagnosis of gender identity disorder," she said.
Nemecek first came to terms with her status in 2003, 15 years after she'd come to work for the university, which describes itself as an evangelical Christian institution.
She'd learned about GID, through her own research and from meetings with therapists, endocrinologists, her family physician and a Christian counselor, she said.
"My sense of self is entirely feminine," she said. "Gender identity disorder is the sense of self conflicting with your body."
Nemecek said scientific research has uncovered the genesis of GID. Everyone starts out in the womb as females. Sometime around the eight or 12th week, our bodies are washed with testosterone, transforming some fetuses into males.
"With people with gender identity disorder, the wash is not complete," she said. "There's a part of your brain connected with your sense of gender identity. For people with the disorder - that part of the brain matches the opposite birth sex."
When Nemecek shared her condition with the university in late 2005, she said their initial response was positive. She said they advised her to "be careful what you do at work in the classroom."
Then the restrictions became more aggressive, she said.
"They were, 'don't come to campus,' 'don't talk to anybody about this,' 'see a Christian counselor,'" said Nemecek, an ordained Baptist minister and a member of a Presbyterian church. "They wanted me to teach online classes."
The axe came down when she wore a Spring Arbor University T-shirt to the grocery store.
University officials told her she was violating a term of her contract by identifying herself as a Spring Arbor employee, she said.
Nemecek filed an Equal Employment Opportunity complaint.
At the end of December, the university informed her they'd decided not to renew her contract, which expired at the end of May, she said.
"Their position is because I have followed the medical advice - the hormones, I am in violation of some biblical standards," she said.
According to the release sent by Spring Arbor to BTL, the university expects faculty members to model Christian character as an example for its students.
That mandate is a critical part of the fabric of Spring Arbor University, is clearly communicated to students, faculty and administrators alike, and is protected by the U.S. Civil Rights Act and supported by the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, wrote the University spokesperson.
"We approach all situations like this with grace and in all cases work with the individual to give them the opportunity for restoration," the spokesperson wrote. "However, if they choose to persist with activities that are inconsistent with the Christian faith, we have a responsibility to take further action."
Nemecek is fighting to keep her job, with a mediation session between the parties scheduled for March 6.
She has a good case, said her attorney Randi Barnabee.
"I understand Spring Arbor may have some difficulty with the situation, but if they accept federal funds, they are subject to federal law," she said. "Federal law says its illegal for an employer to discriminate against a person if that person fails to meet the employer's sex stereotypes. That's the way the law has been interpreted."
Some Spring Arbor students recently organized a rally and a panel discussion to show their support for Nemecek.
Nemecek's status isn't a moral or religious failing; it's a medical issue said rally organizer, Drew Hinkle, 21.
"Julie has been there for over 15 years. Her faith and values are the same," he said. "She's the same person religiously."
Nemecek's conflict with the university is a big issue for students and faculty, he said.
"We're not trying to tear the school down," he said. "We're hoping to encourage the school to make the right choice."
Nemecek said she was touched by the student's efforts.
"I was very moved," she said.
Many individual's negative reaction to people with GID stems from ignorance of how the condition arises, said Nemecek.
"Part of it is they equate it with some kind of sexual perversion when it has nothing to do with sexual orientation or sexual gratification," she said.
She hopes to hear good news when her mediation session is completed.
"Believe it or not I'd like to keep working there," she said. "I enjoy what I'm doing and I'm good at it. I really like the Christian environment. I'd like to help them understand gender identity disorder more. If I ride out into the sunset, there's no one left to talk to them."
Christian College Fires Transgendered Professor
Christian College Fires
Transgendered Professor
By Roselyn James
Associated Content
Spring Arbor University fired Julie Marie Nemecek after she was diagnosed with Gender Identity Disorder. Her employment will be terminated effective June 1 when her contract expires.
The college, located in Michigan, is affiliated with the Free Methodist Church and has about 1400 students currently enrolled. "Jesus Christ as the perspective for learning" is the concept promoted on their website.
Ms. Nemecek, an ordained Baptist minister and Evangelical Christian, announced her intention to transition from John to Julie in December 2005. She has worked for Spring Arbor University for 16 years and at the time of her announcement, she was Associate Dean of Adult Studies.
Spring Arbor University President Gayle Beebe called Ms. Nemecek into a meeting. Also in attendance was Dean Natalie Gianetti and Nemecek's wife Joanne, to whom she has been married for 35 years. Joanne is studying to counsel transgendered individuals and she fully supports her husband.
The meeting didn't go as well as the Nemeceks had hoped. In an attempt to protect their image and accommodate their employee, Spring Arbor University restricted Julie Nemecek to teaching online classes and cut her salary 20 percent. The college banned her from graduation ceremonies and from representing the college while dressed as a woman.
The university watched Ms. Nemecek closely. After appearing in public wearing a Spring Arbor College t-shirt along with makeup and earrings, she was notified that her contract will not be renewed when it expires in May.
Spring Arbor University works hard to maintain its reputation. Divorce, drunkenness, and other behaviors considered sinful by the church is forbidden. Upon being hired, employees sign an agreement stating that such behavior can result in termination of employment.
Julie Marie Nemecek is fighting her dismissal. Her attorney, Randi Barnabee, has filed a discrimination claim with the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Detroit. She is seeking unspecified damages and a reinstatement to her former position.
Julie Marie Nemecek is not alone in her fight. Staff and students who support Ms. Nemecek want to know how gender identity violates biblical principles.
On Monday, February 12, the Spring Arbor Gay Straight Alliance held a rally to support Ms. Nemecek and to educate the community about transgender issues. The rally was a day long event during which they showed "Transgeneration," a film documenting the lives of four transgendered individuals.
Students gathered on campus sidewalks. They carried signs that asked: "What would Jesus do?"
Julie, dressed as a woman, told them, "There is no sin in living in joyful celebration for how God has made you."
While the students marched, supporters of the university gathered at the Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church to pray for the community.
The college claims the right to fire Ms. Nemecek based a Bona Fied Occupational Qualification, which allows them to hire only Christian employees.
In response, Barnabee states that Spring Arbor admits students of every faith and that not all their employees are Christian. The university also receives government funds that prevent them from discriminating based on gender.
Mediation on the complaint is scheduled for March. Nemecek plans to file a federal lawsuit if the mediation fails.
SOURCES:
"University Firing Transgender Prof", Jackson Citizen Patriot, February 4, 2007
URL: http://www.mlive.com/news/jacitpat/index.ssf?/base/news-20/1170587131125380.xml&coll=3&thispage=1
"Gender Change Costs Dean a Job", Inside Higher Ed, February 6, 2007
URL: http://insidehighered.com/news/2007/02/06/springarbor
"Rally Backs Transgender Prof", Jackson Citizen Patriot, February 13, 2007
URL: http://www.mlive.com/search/index.ssf?/base/news-20/1171384646174100.xml?jacitpat?NEJ&coll=3&thispage=1
By Roselyn James
Associated Content
Spring Arbor University fired Julie Marie Nemecek after she was diagnosed with Gender Identity Disorder. Her employment will be terminated effective June 1 when her contract expires.
The college, located in Michigan, is affiliated with the Free Methodist Church and has about 1400 students currently enrolled. "Jesus Christ as the perspective for learning" is the concept promoted on their website.
Ms. Nemecek, an ordained Baptist minister and Evangelical Christian, announced her intention to transition from John to Julie in December 2005. She has worked for Spring Arbor University for 16 years and at the time of her announcement, she was Associate Dean of Adult Studies.
Spring Arbor University President Gayle Beebe called Ms. Nemecek into a meeting. Also in attendance was Dean Natalie Gianetti and Nemecek's wife Joanne, to whom she has been married for 35 years. Joanne is studying to counsel transgendered individuals and she fully supports her husband.
The meeting didn't go as well as the Nemeceks had hoped. In an attempt to protect their image and accommodate their employee, Spring Arbor University restricted Julie Nemecek to teaching online classes and cut her salary 20 percent. The college banned her from graduation ceremonies and from representing the college while dressed as a woman.
The university watched Ms. Nemecek closely. After appearing in public wearing a Spring Arbor College t-shirt along with makeup and earrings, she was notified that her contract will not be renewed when it expires in May.
Spring Arbor University works hard to maintain its reputation. Divorce, drunkenness, and other behaviors considered sinful by the church is forbidden. Upon being hired, employees sign an agreement stating that such behavior can result in termination of employment.
Julie Marie Nemecek is fighting her dismissal. Her attorney, Randi Barnabee, has filed a discrimination claim with the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Detroit. She is seeking unspecified damages and a reinstatement to her former position.
Julie Marie Nemecek is not alone in her fight. Staff and students who support Ms. Nemecek want to know how gender identity violates biblical principles.
On Monday, February 12, the Spring Arbor Gay Straight Alliance held a rally to support Ms. Nemecek and to educate the community about transgender issues. The rally was a day long event during which they showed "Transgeneration," a film documenting the lives of four transgendered individuals.
Students gathered on campus sidewalks. They carried signs that asked: "What would Jesus do?"
Julie, dressed as a woman, told them, "There is no sin in living in joyful celebration for how God has made you."
While the students marched, supporters of the university gathered at the Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church to pray for the community.
The college claims the right to fire Ms. Nemecek based a Bona Fied Occupational Qualification, which allows them to hire only Christian employees.
In response, Barnabee states that Spring Arbor admits students of every faith and that not all their employees are Christian. The university also receives government funds that prevent them from discriminating based on gender.
Mediation on the complaint is scheduled for March. Nemecek plans to file a federal lawsuit if the mediation fails.
SOURCES:
"University Firing Transgender Prof", Jackson Citizen Patriot, February 4, 2007
URL: http://www.mlive.com/news/jacitpat/index.ssf?/base/news-20/1170587131125380.xml&coll=3&thispage=1
"Gender Change Costs Dean a Job", Inside Higher Ed, February 6, 2007
URL: http://insidehighered.com/news/2007/02/06/springarbor
"Rally Backs Transgender Prof", Jackson Citizen Patriot, February 13, 2007
URL: http://www.mlive.com/search/index.ssf?/base/news-20/1171384646174100.xml?jacitpat?NEJ&coll=3&thispage=1
Professor's plight heard worldwide Nemecek getting
lots of attention after story appeared in newspaper
Professor's plight heard worldwide
Nemecek getting lots of attention after story
appeared in newspaper
Saturday, February 10, 2007
By Steven Hepker
shepker@citpat.com -- 768-4923
People worldwide are reading, writing and talking about Spring Arbor's Julie Marie Nemecek in the wake of her unveiling last week in the Citizen Patriot.
"They are blogging me in England and Portugal," Nemecek said amid the whirlwind of press coverage and Internet exposure.
John Nemecek is a 55-year-old transgender Spring Arbor University professor in transition to becoming a woman, Julie Marie.
Leaders at the Christian-based college deemed it unholy behavior. Nemecek's contract will not be renewed this spring, after 16 years.
Nemecek is an ordained Baptist minister and associate dean of adult studies. He has been married to a nurse, Joanne, for 35 years. They have three grown sons and say their love has grown during this transition.
Nemecek said she does not plan sex-change surgery, known as gender reassignment.
Family and friends have been digesting Nemecek's gender evolution for more than a year. Most are accepting Julie in stages.
University leaders cut Nemecek's salary and duties in 2006 and ordered her not to appear as a woman on campus or in related situations. She was accused of violating the revised contract on at least four occasions, such as wearing earrings at a golf outing.
University President Gayle Beebe issued a statement that administrators attempted to work with Nemecek and offered her "opportunity for restoration."
After filing a discrimination complaint against Spring Arbor University, Nemecek decided to come out in the Citizen Patriot.
The stories triggered plenty of talk locally. Discussions are a blend of science, religion, ethics and the cultural view of transgenders.
The story spread exponentially through news services and the Internet. Nemecek has been overwhelmed by e-mails, letters and calls from around the world, and a crush of media requests.
"The amount of support has been overwhelming," Nemecek said Thursday at home with Joanne.
Julie Marie continues to teach online undergraduate and post-graduate classes from home. She designed the university's Internet education programs in the early 1990s, helping online classes grow from six to 90.
Letters to the Citizen Patriot mostly support Nemecek. Many say this is a chance for the university to show its Christian heart and practice its commitment to diversity.
Beebe responded to the initial stories with separate messages to faculty and to students.
Beebe issued a protocol for dealing with the media and reiterated the university's position that Nemecek's actions are "inconsistent with the Christian faith."
Others also side with Spring Arbor University's stance that a transgender professor detracts from Christian teachings and the college image.
"I got one nasty call, from apparently a truck driver who was traveling through the area," Nemecek said. "Someone sent me a very negative letter, anonymously."
Julie and Joanne prayed and searched their hearts and the Bible, and concluded God does not command transgender persons to live conflicted lives.
"It is not some kind of sexual perversion and not anti-Christian," Nemecek said of the continuing steps toward looking like she has felt inside most of her life.
Nemecek was diagnosed with gender identity disorder and has been undergoing hormone therapy and counseling. Part of the protocol involves dressing as a woman, wearing jewelry, nail polish and makeup, and a female wig.
She attended a faculty meeting Tuesday on campus, not dressed as a woman. "I would be fired," Nemecek said.
More than 120 students and alumni have signed onto a "We Support Julie Marie" group on the FaceBook Web site launched by student Drew Hinkle.
Nemecek's youngest son, Joshua, even started his own blog at blog.myfathershe.com.
Gay rights groups have also taken up the cause, condemning Spring Arbor University and offering words of encouragement to Nemecek.
"People assume that if your are transgender you are gay, and that is not the case," Nemecek said. "We do share a common sense of discrimination."
The university maintains it is guaranteed federal and state civil rights to require that faculty are Christians. Nemecek agrees with that. But there is no right to discriminate based on gender, she said.
Nemecek, who legally becomes Julie Marie on Feb. 23, wants to keep her position, but as a woman. She cannot envision a compromise in which she returns as John.
"To some extent, it would be more painful than before," Nemecek said.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
By Steven Hepker
shepker@citpat.com -- 768-4923
People worldwide are reading, writing and talking about Spring Arbor's Julie Marie Nemecek in the wake of her unveiling last week in the Citizen Patriot.
"They are blogging me in England and Portugal," Nemecek said amid the whirlwind of press coverage and Internet exposure.
John Nemecek is a 55-year-old transgender Spring Arbor University professor in transition to becoming a woman, Julie Marie.
Leaders at the Christian-based college deemed it unholy behavior. Nemecek's contract will not be renewed this spring, after 16 years.
Nemecek is an ordained Baptist minister and associate dean of adult studies. He has been married to a nurse, Joanne, for 35 years. They have three grown sons and say their love has grown during this transition.
Nemecek said she does not plan sex-change surgery, known as gender reassignment.
Family and friends have been digesting Nemecek's gender evolution for more than a year. Most are accepting Julie in stages.
University leaders cut Nemecek's salary and duties in 2006 and ordered her not to appear as a woman on campus or in related situations. She was accused of violating the revised contract on at least four occasions, such as wearing earrings at a golf outing.
University President Gayle Beebe issued a statement that administrators attempted to work with Nemecek and offered her "opportunity for restoration."
After filing a discrimination complaint against Spring Arbor University, Nemecek decided to come out in the Citizen Patriot.
The stories triggered plenty of talk locally. Discussions are a blend of science, religion, ethics and the cultural view of transgenders.
The story spread exponentially through news services and the Internet. Nemecek has been overwhelmed by e-mails, letters and calls from around the world, and a crush of media requests.
"The amount of support has been overwhelming," Nemecek said Thursday at home with Joanne.
Julie Marie continues to teach online undergraduate and post-graduate classes from home. She designed the university's Internet education programs in the early 1990s, helping online classes grow from six to 90.
Letters to the Citizen Patriot mostly support Nemecek. Many say this is a chance for the university to show its Christian heart and practice its commitment to diversity.
Beebe responded to the initial stories with separate messages to faculty and to students.
Beebe issued a protocol for dealing with the media and reiterated the university's position that Nemecek's actions are "inconsistent with the Christian faith."
Others also side with Spring Arbor University's stance that a transgender professor detracts from Christian teachings and the college image.
"I got one nasty call, from apparently a truck driver who was traveling through the area," Nemecek said. "Someone sent me a very negative letter, anonymously."
Julie and Joanne prayed and searched their hearts and the Bible, and concluded God does not command transgender persons to live conflicted lives.
"It is not some kind of sexual perversion and not anti-Christian," Nemecek said of the continuing steps toward looking like she has felt inside most of her life.
Nemecek was diagnosed with gender identity disorder and has been undergoing hormone therapy and counseling. Part of the protocol involves dressing as a woman, wearing jewelry, nail polish and makeup, and a female wig.
She attended a faculty meeting Tuesday on campus, not dressed as a woman. "I would be fired," Nemecek said.
More than 120 students and alumni have signed onto a "We Support Julie Marie" group on the FaceBook Web site launched by student Drew Hinkle.
Nemecek's youngest son, Joshua, even started his own blog at blog.myfathershe.com.
Gay rights groups have also taken up the cause, condemning Spring Arbor University and offering words of encouragement to Nemecek.
"People assume that if your are transgender you are gay, and that is not the case," Nemecek said. "We do share a common sense of discrimination."
The university maintains it is guaranteed federal and state civil rights to require that faculty are Christians. Nemecek agrees with that. But there is no right to discriminate based on gender, she said.
Nemecek, who legally becomes Julie Marie on Feb. 23, wants to keep her position, but as a woman. She cannot envision a compromise in which she returns as John.
"To some extent, it would be more painful than before," Nemecek said.