Monthly Archives: June 2022

In April, FIRE called out Oklahoma Christian University for abruptly firing tenured professor Michael OKeefe following student complaints about a guest speaker in his class. Things have only gone downhill since then.

In response to FIREs letter, OC suggested OKeefe was not entitled to due process, and, as proof, pointed to an employment agreement that expressly states to the contrary that any termination proceedings must comply with due process. Then, FIRE learned the university admonished another faculty member merely for observing the guest speakers talk and failing to report it to the administration.

Weve continued to press OC for answers concerning its abandonment of its own promises of academic freedom and due process, but after an initial exchange, the university perhaps realizing it is out of excuses has fallen silent.

FIRE previously described the events that led OC to suddenly fire tenured professor Michael OKeefe after 41 years of service:

On March 1, OKeefes class, The Business of Branding Yourself, featured guest speaker Scott Hale, who discussed his experience growing up in Oklahoma, touching on themes of authenticity, resilience, and coming to terms with his identity as a gay man. One small part of the talk in particular irked OCs administration, in which Hale recounted playing truth or dare as a young boy to illustrate the peer pressure he experienced. He said the game eventually degraded into truth or dick once another boy dared Hale to expose himself, which he felt compelled to do.

Less than one week after that class session, OKeefe, who started teaching at OC in 1981, received a letter immediately terminating his employment based on gross misconduct and conduct contrary to the mission and values of Oklahoma Christian University. He was ordered to leave campus immediately.

After the incident went public, OCs chief legal counsel, Stephen Eck, confirmed that OC fired OKeefe due to Hales stories and profane language. Eck also said it appeared that OKeefe attempted to squelch students reporting or complaining about Hales talk (emphasis added). But OC gave OKeefe no prior notice of these various allegations and no chance to contest them despite his tenured status. As FIREs letter noted, that defeats the purpose of tenure: to protect faculty from summary dismissal for exercising their academic freedom.

We also reminded OC that its own policies protect academic freedom including the right to host controversial speakers and to discuss contentious subjects without fear of reprisal. As FIREs previous coverage explained, Hales talk was relevant to OKeefes course, which featured multiple guest speakers who told stories about persevering through personal hardship. OKeefe sought to teach students the importance of developing their self-identity before they brand themselves and to help them develop the ability to empathize with and relate to people from different backgrounds.

In a phone call with FIRE, OC countered our argument that OKeefe was entitled to due process by citing a conditional employment agreement he entered in 2015 following prior allegations of misconduct. FIRE acquired a copy of that agreement, which makes clear that OKeefe retained tenure and its attendant due process protections at the time he and OC executed the agreement. Specifically, it includes a signed notice of rights of tenured faculty facing potential termination, including:

The university perhaps realizing it is out of excuses has fallen silent.

Based on this information, we renewed our request to OC to explain why it failed to follow any of these procedures before firing OKeefe. Eck initially said he would get back to us, but after The Oklahoman covered FIREs letter, he changed his mind, saying there doesnt seem to be a basis for a substantive answer and dialogue.

Its unclear why a local newspapers coverage of the incident and FIREs letter which we had already publicized before our talks with OC began would stop the university from offering up whatever defense it has for violating OKeefes rights. OC still has an obligation to justify its actions to OKeefe, to students and faculty at OC, and to the public. But the university likely has no defense that can withstand scrutiny.

OKeefes termination remains a stain on the universitys integrity and a potential breach of its contractual obligations.

While continuing to work on OKeefes case, FIRE learned that another OC faculty member found himself in the administrations crosshairs as a result of Hales speech.

Not long after OC fired OKeefe, Eck and OCs chief academic officer, Jeff McCormack, called faculty librarian Chris Rosser into a meeting to question him about his attendance at Hales presentation. (Rosser knows Hale personally and attended the talk to provide quiet support for a friend.)

In a followup letter obtained by FIRE, Eck told Rosser:

It would have been immeasurably helpful to Mr. OKeefe, his guest speaker, the University, and President deSteiguer, if once you were invited to attend the Business of Branding Yourself session, and understood the nature of the presentation, to either explain the University position as you clearly understood it, to Mr. OKeefe, or inform President deSteiguer so he could instruct Mr. OKeefe.

Eck also told Rosser he should be clear on the Universitys position, values, beliefs, and expected instruction for students regarding its Biblical perspectives on same-sex marriage, referring to a previous meeting concerning OCs position on campus life issues impacted by sexual orientation or gender identity, and a 2018 incident in which OC instructed Rosser to rescind an invitation to a speaker in a same-sex marriage.

Eck concluded by telling Rosser that if he becomes aware that a professor or guest speaker, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, has shared her or his childhood sexual past, using similarly explicit language, the University needs to address that issue. As a faculty member you should share those details with Dr. McCormack, immediately.

FIRE sent another letter to OC last month explaining that its disturbing demand that Rosser report to the administration or otherwise intervene when others are merely exercising their expressive rights compels speech in contravention of university policy.

Oklahoma Christian cannot promise its faculty freedom of expression and then enlist them as informants.

As we reminded OC, OKeefes hosting of a guest speaker was a protected exercise of academic freedom. OCs suggestion that Hale discussed his childhood sexual past and that his talk contradicted the universitys stance on same-sex marriage is peculiar. Hale is gay, but his talk did not address the topic of same-sex marriage, and his truth or dare anecdote was about the peer pressure he experienced as a young boy it wasnt intended to glorify sexual activity. While what Hale actually said or intended might have offended some students, that doesnt remove it from OCs academic freedom protections. Rosser had no duty or reason to intervene.

As our letter stated:

OC cannot promise its faculty freedom of expression and then enlist them as informants who must confront or report colleagues for exercising their academic freedom. In addition to compelled-speech concerns, such a regime would have a chilling effect on faculty who know their colleagues are policing their speech and are under administrative pressure to report anything potentially controversial, and that is to say nothing of the damage to trust and morale it would inflict.

If OC did not intend to impose a mandate on Rosser, the university did not make that clear. As weve said before, administrators must clearly distinguish between requests and demands, knowing that the weight of potential disciplinary action or investigation is behind them when they ask something of a faculty member.

OC has not responded to FIREs second letter, but ignoring the free speech and academic freedom issues at the university wont make them go away. OC is a religious institution, but its mission also demands freedom of inquiry and expression. It is long past time for OC to take that commitment seriously.

FIRE defends the rights of students and faculty members no matter their views at public and private universities and colleges in the United States. If you are a student or a faculty member facing investigation or punishment for your speech, submit your case to FIRE today. If youre faculty member at a public college or university, call the Faculty Legal Defense Fund 24-hour hotline at 254-500-FLDF (3533).

Continued here:

Compelled snitching? Oklahoma Christian's attack on free speech and academic freedom is worse than we realized - Foundation for Individual Rights in...

ALTOONA, Iowa After almost ten years the effort to put a Freedom Rock in all 99 Iowa counties, has succeeded. The effort started when Greenfield Artist Ray Bubba Sorensen painted a rock to honor veterans on Highway 25 in Adair County.

Id never seen that on a rock before, only graffiti, said Sorensen.

The paintings each year honor different veterans starting Memorial Day weekend. People would stop from near and far to see the artwork to honor veterans.Then it continued when he painted a Freedom Rock in some other counties, and the next thing you know he was heading for all 99. Some towns who jumped on the chance were able to get the Freedom Rock over some other larger cities nearby.

After all 99 were painted, for the last rock, Sorensen put out a request for anyone to make a bid on where it should go. Altoona had the winning bid.

Then he had to decide what to put on this last rock.

I started cramming so much into it and trying to put so much meaning into it and it became very over cluttered, said Sorensen. I kind of started throwing stuff overboardgetting back to basics.

He tied the Altoona Rock together with the Bondurant Freedom Rock with an Iowa Flag theme.

Sorensen and wife Maria, have three kids.Two of them spend time with their Dad painting, and the youngest one wants to also.

I was trying to install a good work ethic for my kids said Sorensen. Their vacations consist of any places that I get to be, they get to come up and enjoy, now, Adventureland.

Now that Iowa Freedom Rocks are painted, Sorensen is working to paint Freedom Rocks in other states.

For more information on the Iowa Freedom Rocks click here.

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Last Freedom Rock being painted in Altoona - WHO TV 13 Des Moines News & Weather

LIHUE This Friday, July 1, the Kauai Veterans Center is the site of the Kauai 1st Freedom Fest, from 3 to 9 p.m., described by organizers as a celebration of freedom that lifts the hearts of the Kauai people with hope and possibility of encouraging positive change for Kauai.

LIHUE This Friday, July 1, the Kauai Veterans Center is the site of the Kauai 1st Freedom Fest, from 3 to 9 p.m., described by organizers as a celebration of freedom that lifts the hearts of the Kauai people with hope and possibility of encouraging positive change for Kauai.

Understanding that local first means people first, this event is free to attend and free of charge to all, including local vendors who wish to participate, according to a press release.

Family friendly festivities include face painting, a climbing wall, bounce house, giant slide and more, along with novelty, craft and food vendors.

Speakers include human-rights attorney Leigh Dundas; Alaska state House Rep. candidate Kelly Nash; The Prodigy, former professional mixed martial and Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert and Hawaii gubernatorial candidate BJ Penn; The Peoples Mayor, Kauai mayoral candidate Megeso Denis; entrepreneur and business owner Jim Rosa; co-founder of For Our Rights Levana Lomma; entrepreneur and business owner and Kauai County Council candidate Roy Saito; and Jural Assembly Coordinator and Moderator Pro Tem Dave Hamman.

Event topics for discussion will include human rights, medical freedom, ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability); Agendas 21 and 30, first and second amendment, voter integrity, common law and more.

The Kauai Veterans Center exists to promote and enhance the delivery of benefits to all veterans, their families and dependents of those who have given their lives for their country.

For more information regarding the Kauai 1ST Freedom Fest, visit facebook.com/kauai1st.

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First Freedom Fest is Friday in Lihu'e - The Garden Island

In this edition of 5 Things Were Watching we feature conversations on the future of home-based health care services, the soon-to-launch 988 hotline, and state leaders reactions to the Supreme Courts Roe v. Wade decision.

Thank you for your support!

Emily BoergerState of Reform

Vince Porteris the Director of theRegence Health Policy Center. Formerly the health care innovation hub Cambia Grove, the new policy center aims to inform and advance policies that promote affordable and accessible care. In this Q&A, Porter discusses thebenefits of home-based care services and what the end of the public health emergency might mean for the health care system.

Porter saysthe end of the PHE could mean the reversal of several flexibilities and innovations made possible during the pandemic.Letting these programs expirespecifically Hospital at Home waiversat this juncture would set everyone back a few years on research, data analysis, and process improvements. This is a pivotal moment and key opportunity that could help move the ball closer to a quality, community-based health care system that improves access and decreases costs for patients.

Following the Supreme Courts decision last week to overturn Roe v. Wade, thegovernors of Washington, Oregon, and California issueda Multi-StateCommitment to Reproductive Freedom. During a press conference Saturday, Gov. Inslee and other state leaders discussed potential measures to strengthen access and support for abortion providers and patients.

These measures include:pursuing a constitutional amendment to solidify the right of choice in Washington, dedicating $1 million in funds to ensure reproductive care clinics can provide care, ensuring hospital mergers dont result in loss of access to abortion care, and issuing an executive order directing the Washington State Patrol to refuse to cooperate with abortion-related investigatory requests from agencies in states that dont allow abortion. Washington isone of 16 statesthat have codified the right to abortion, and is one of just 4 states that have laws preventing lawsuits against abortion providers.

Ahead of the July 16th launch of the988 suicide prevention line, State of Reform caught up with Michele Roberts, Assistant Secretary for Prevention & Community Health at the DOH,for a conversation on the benefits of the hotline, the services that will be available, and next steps in improving Washingtons behavioral health crisis response services.

Roberts saysthe new hotline will create a distinctbut coordinated system with 911.We know that the vast majority of people seeking help from the [National Suicide Prevention Lifeline] do not require additional interventions. Fewer than 2% of NSPL calls require connection to emergency services like 911, said Roberts. The 988 coordinated response is intended to promote stabilization and care in the least restrictive manner.

The Washington State Health Care Authority held an informational meeting this week to discuss its plans to distribute $100 million to behavioral health providers to address workforce challenges. The HCA will receive the funds,which come from the 2023 supplemental community behavioral health budget, on July 1st.

During the meeting, Behavioral Health Policy and Programs Supervisor Kimberly Wright said the funds could be used forworkforce retention and recruitment, child care stipends, student loan repayment, tuition assistance, relocation expenses, and costs incurred due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Community behavioral health providers contracted and receiving payments through an MCO orBH-ASO are eligible for the funds.HCA intendsto provide funding notifications in August, with payments sent to providers by Sept. 30th.

A multi-perspective group of speakers discussed the impact oftrauma, societal norms, and economics on mens health during a recent DOH panel in recognition ofMens Health Month. During the conversation, former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin discussed how trauma, and an unwillingness to talk about trauma, is a key issue impacting mens health.

DOH Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah addedthat societal norms can result in men internalizingtheir difficult experiences.These unchecked feelings, he said, can provoke negative methods of dealing with pain, including acts of violence.Were not doing enough for our next generation,Shah said. What are we teaching our sons? What are we doing to prevent them from reliving trauma that we ourselves have lived? Shame on us if we do not, and cannot, and will not do more.

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5 Things Washington: 'Commitment to Reproductive Freedom,' Q&A w/ Vince Porter, 988 launch - State of Reform - State of Reform

The document lays out the reasons why many of the English colonists in America desired a country of their own making. The founders were serious people and studied some of the traps in the forming of past governments. America, unlike many countries, is based on ideas; the notion in which each person coming from the womb or immigrating from elsewhere has certain inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Most individuals understand the concepts of life and liberty but misunderstand happiness. The word Thomas Jefferson used meant fulfillment, meaning governments exist so that each citizen can rise as far as talent might take them. All these concepts mean just as much today as they did during the founding perhaps more.

Once written down, the three ideas became enshrined in our countrys being and goals to achieve for all Americans. In fact, the people who didnt have certain political rights at the time of the founding knew those unalienable rights were there to contend for and aspire to. Those ideals had to become a reality for all Americans, not just a select few.

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The words began a country which Gen. Douglas MacArthur called a beloved land of culture and ancient descent. Individuals from all faiths and backgrounds not only compose the fabrics of America but make the country stronger in the process.

As July 4 nears, we are measured by the people of history and the past. During Independence week, we are reminded of the work of many of the people who were emboldened by Jeffersons words and tried to stand on the concepts of the American creed. Women worked on the freedom to vote and minorities worked for better rights. That kind of work and struggle goes on.

Moreover, Independence Day should be an esteemed day for learning the history of the country which we do not know yet. We have a duty to keep learning history and learning about each other. We should be searching out the many contributions various kinds of Americans have made. There is no extreme nationalism in learning about the history of diverse Americans.

July 4 is a reminder we owe the Americans who came before us a little respect, appreciation and gratitude. The holiday also encourages us to live the political values which founded the country. We are asked to vote because countless people at the beginnings of the country did not have the opportunity to vote. We should endeavor to be good citizens because not every individual started out in the country with their citizenship granted. And we must serve because America at its best is a country which gives and provides. In this nation, people have many freedoms which are not protected in other countries.

And one must simply ask oneself: What kind of country could produce such fantastic individuals as Margaret Chase Smith, Harry Truman, Cesar Chavez, Charles Schulz, Billy Graham, Colin Powell, John Lewis, Fred Korematsu, Pauli Murray, Gertrude Ederlee, Sojourner Truth, and many others?

Some of these names are known, others not so much. Yet, when injustices presented themselves or when the government needed changing, they moved with ideas based on freedom and independence. They also marched with a freedom of will. They acted from freedom of conscience based on the concepts of life, liberty, and happiness.

The founding words of the country speak out to us. They are represented in the lives of slaves and freedmen who fought in the revolution, in the life and legacy of George Washington, in the poetry of Phyllis Wheatley, and the speeches of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.

Independence Day is a time to celebrate and remember the words and ideas Thomas Jefferson crafted in a two-room apartment in Philadelphia in the summer of 1776. The document was accepted on July 2 and printed two days later, those declarations became precisely that. Gen. Washington ordered the text read out loud to his soldiers five days after the countrys first July 4. To hear them is to be reminded of the moment.

Life, liberty, and happiness also involves freedom of conscience, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and a thousand other liberties enshrined in a proper republican government. And if the government seeks not to protect rights, it is the duty of the citizens to change it. That is a powerful concept still.

The rich and deep history of the country is an immense journey of discovery. It is hard not to be amazed to be living in a country which made so many great individuals with their own intellect, interests, and passions.

What kind of country could do this? A free one.

And we have a duty to keep it so for generations to come.

Brent Tomberlin is a social studies instructor at South Caldwell High School and at CCC&TI. He can be reached at coachtomberlin@gmail.com.

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Column: A holiday of history, spirit and freedom - Hickory Daily Record