A lawsuit has been filed against Miyazaki Sangyo Keiei University by two of its faculty members who allege they faced retaliation following their workplace marriage. The case has sparked significant discussion about employment practices and discrimination within academic institutions.
The plaintiffs, identified as a female administrative staff member in her 30s and her husband, a male associate professor in his 40s, both employed at the university's Faculty of Law, wed last July. Soon after officially reporting their marriage to the university president, the woman received notice of her termination at the end of the current fiscal year, leading to them filing the lawsuit.
According to court documents, the couple, who have since filed for divorce to avoid the repercussions tied to their marriage, argue they were subjected to unfair treatment as the female employee was not only informed of her abrupt termination, but also faced barriers to participating in university meetings and events. The husband was demoted, suffering significant salary reductions.
When the couple contested their termination, they were reportedly met with disciplinary actions. The woman was reassigned from her teaching position to administrative duties, and her husband saw his title drop from professor to associate professor. Both claim these actions were not just retaliatory but also unlawful.
On February 19, 2025, they took legal action at the Miyazaki District Court, seeking confirmation of their employment status and financial damages. During the press conference held on March 12, 2025, the female plaintiff expressed, "I was shocked to be told I would be terminated just for getting married. I felt like I was being asked to choose between my marriage and my career." Her sentiments echo the frustrations of many who have faced similar struggles balancing personal lives with professional responsibilities.
The university has responded by branding their actions as violations of campus order and discipline, stating, "This case is not merely about employment relations; it involves serious violations of the order and rules of the campus." They stand firm on their position, asserting the unwritten rules grounded in the institution's policy guide the treatment of married couples within their jurisdiction.
Further compliciating the matter, the institution claims there exists a long-standing, though unwritten, norm prohibiting married couples from working together at small-scale universities like Miyazaki Sangyo Keiei University. This alleged policy has drawn scrutiny from both within the university and the public eye, raising concerns over workplace fairness and equality.
The first oral argument of the lawsuit is slated for April 16, 2025, and observers are closely monitoring the case as its outcome may set significant precedents affecting faculty relations and workplace regulations across similar institutions.
The plaintiffs’ attorney argues the case highlights broader issues of discrimination and the potential overreach of institutional power. “We aim to demonstrate not only how this couple was treated unfairly but to also challenge the very policies being wielded against them,” the attorney commented.
It remains to be seen how the courts will interpret the claims and what ramifications will ensue for both the couple and the university. The proactively monitored case plays out against the backdrop of increasing scrutiny over hiring and employment practices within educational systems, calling for necessary reforms. The outcomes could galvanize movement toward more equitable treatment policies and advocate for employee rights, particularly for those whose personal choices inexorably impact their professional lives.
This story continues to evolve, and many await the decision of the court, which may also spark discussions around how universities handle internal relationships and the legal frameworks supporting or contesting such arrangements.