Karen Pence’s new job explicitly excludes LGBTQ+ people.
Pence previously worked at the Immanuel Christian School for 12 years while her husband served in Congress. The second lady has now returned as a part-time art teacher. The school’s “parent agreement” says that it can refuse students who participate in or condone homosexual or bisexual activity, stating “I understand the biblical role of [the school…] to encourage students to be imitators of Christ.”
The school also refuses to employ LGBTQ+ people, and applicants must sign a waiver promising they will not participate in “homosexual or lesbian sexual activity, polygamy, [or] transgender identity.”
A section of the job application outlining the school’s family values says “a wife is commanded to submit to her husband” and that “marriage unites one man and one woman.” This discriminatory policy is legal, as Title VII only protects against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Many have criticized the Pence family’s connection to the school.
“The Pences never seem to miss an opportunity to show their public service only extends to some,” stated the Human Rights Campaign’s JoDee Winterhof.
