Grand Valley State University: Political Litmus Test in Music Department's Job Requirements
Cases
Grand Valley State University
Case Overview
FIRE Victory closed
On April 17, 2009, Grand Valley State University posted a job opening for a visiting professor of music (flute) that required a 鈥渄emonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity.鈥 On June 18, FIREwrote to the university鈥檚 president, noting that the music department had been imposing these sorts of requirements for years. On July 9, the university responded, telling FIREthat the department鈥檚 requirements were 鈥bona fide occupational qualifications of education, training and experience that are relevant to the faculty position.鈥 The university acknowledged, however, that applicants could misread the requirement as unlawfully restrictive. The university promised to revise the requirements.