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An opinion piece in the University of Idaho’s Argonaut examines the lack of gender and cultural diversity in its short list of candidates for university president.  While leaning heavily towards a critical response to the choices for presidents, the article includes quotes from members of the search committee defending their choice.

More problematic to me, however, is the issue of the president’s spouse having to fulfill various duties for no compensation:

It might not be prohibited for the president’s spouse to have a career of her or his own. Traditionally, however, the spouse is expected to suspend her or his career upon arrival in Moscow to fulfill certain university duties and commitments. These duties include running Operation Education, being the public face of the university and sitting on various boards and committees. If she or he is not willing to give up her or his career, it conflicts with time commitments to the university. The spouse receives no financial support for her or his commitment, as the financial compensation is included in the president’s salary. I find this problematic, seeing as this makes the spouse fully financially dependent on the spouse. I wonder how many men would be willing to suspend a career of their own while their wives become university presidents. Thus far, only one female has held the position of UI president, and that was Elizabeth Zinser in 1989.

If the president’s spouse must take on all of these duties, then why are they not hired as a couple?  And what happens if the canididate is not married?  And what about diversity of sexual orientation?  Would a gay candidate be considered if their partner has to take on so many responsibilities?

To read the article, click here.