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The professor had reportedly invited several speakers to discuss obstacles they had to overcome in their careers.
A professor at Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond, Okla., has been fired, allegedly after having a gay speaker present in his class.
Michael O'Keefe had been teaching graphic design at the university for 41 years until he was sacked on Monday, local TV station KFOR reports.
"It was absolutely shocking to me," Emily Thornton, an OC alumnus, told the station. "O'Keefe was fired because he had a class where several speakers came in and talked about their personal challenges and how they overcame them."
In a statement provided by O'Keefe's lawyer, Kevin Jacobs, the former professor said the claims were true.
"Michael O'Keefe was fired by Oklahoma Christian University allegedly for his 'gross misconduct, conduct contrary to the mission and values of Oklahoma Christian University and disregard of the policies and values of the university. It is our belief Mr. O'Keefe was terminated for having a guest speaker for his senior level class... One of the speakers was an Oklahoma Christian alumnus and an Oklahoma Christian adjunct professor for nearly 20 years. This speaker is also gay," Jacobs told the station.
"Letting students expect a world where you may be different is the message Mr. O'Keefe wanted his students to hear. That's the message this speaker delivered, not an advocacy of gay rights," he continued. "Unfortunately, that's not permitted at Oklahoma Christian University today. It cost Mr. O'Keefe his job."
KFOR requested a response from the Oklahoma Christian about the allegations. Stephen Eck, the university's chief legal counsel, said, "The decision to end employment was made after a thorough review process. The university will always put first the wellbeing of our students in every decision we make."
Many have taken to social media to express their disbelief over what allegedly happened.
\u201cPeople shocked an Oklahoma Christian University needs little reason to show their true colors.. don\u2019t be.\u201d— Kory (@Kory) 1647272268
\u201cAs an alumni of Oklahoma Christian University\u2019s graphic design department, I am shocked and saddened to know that Michael O\u2019Keefe has been fired. This thread will list the facts as I know them.\u201d— Julia (@Julia) 1647210801
\u201cMichael O\u2019Keefe is one of the most phenomenal art professors I have ever been privileged to learn from. This news is disheartening.\u201d— Jessica (@Jessica) 1647229225
\u201cmichael o\u2019keefe is the only reason i graduated college. he is the only one who listened to me, and genuinely was just there for me. i would not be who i am today without this man in my life.\u201d— \ud83e\udd87 baja bats \ud83e\udd87 (@\ud83e\udd87 baja bats \ud83e\udd87) 1647229908
Jacobs said O'Keefe and his team were still deciding on their next steps.
