Oklahoma Christian Professor Dismissed Following Guest Speaker

A former Oklahoma Christian University professor was allegedly fired after bringing in an openly gay speaker to one of his classes.  

The professor, Michael O’Keefe, taught graphic design at Oklahoma Christian for 41 years, until March 7th. 

Some of his former and current students are now enraged, posting on social media, saying they want to hold the university accountable. 

"Just the whole situation is ridiculous," Michael Fitch, a graphic design student Oklahoma Christian University said. "I wouldn't have expected this from a Christian university."  

Some of O'Keefe's students then complained to school administrators after O'Keefe hosted a guest speaker to talk about struggles and hardships. The speaker happened to be gay. 

News 9 asked the university why it fired O'Keefe. 

Stephen Eck, a lawyer for Oklahoma Christian University, told News 9,"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.” 

A spokesperson for the university also included a link to OC's mission and values.  

One of which says, "The values and behavior of this Christian community are derived from the Bible, rather than the prevailing culture." 

It goes on to say, "we expect all full-time faculty and staff to fully embrace the principles of this covenant." 

You can read the full values here. 

O’Keefe's attorney Kevin Jacobs says he's still evaluating whether to take legal action against Oklahoma Christian University. 

Jacobs, who used to be the university's president, says he just wants the school to "do the right thing."