University Reinstates Assistant Professor After Marriage Dispute

University Reinstates Assistant Professor After Marriage Dispute

A university in Miyazaki, Japan, has agreed to reinstate an assistant professor who was previously dismissed over her marriage to a colleague. The settlement, reached on March 21st, 2023, also allows the husband to continue working as a professor at the university.

The couple, who registered their marriage in July 2022, faced disciplinary action from the university after the husband reported their marriage to the president. The wife was demoted to a clerical staff position, while the husband was demoted to an associate professor.

Following the settlement, the university has retracted the disciplinary measures and agreed to create a more favorable working environment for female faculty members. The wife will continue her work as an assistant professor in the faculty of law, while the husband will remain a professor in the same department.

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by married couples in academia, particularly when both partners work at the same institution. The university's initial decision to penalize the couple for their marriage sparked criticism and raised concerns about gender discrimination in the workplace. The settlement represents a positive step towards ensuring a more equitable and inclusive environment for all faculty members.