In 2017, a significant discussion emerged around the appropriateness of men being alone with women who are not their spouses. This conversation intensified following a Washington Post profile of Vice President Mike Pence’s wife, Karen, which revealed that Pence adheres to a personal rule: he does not dine alone with women other than his wife, nor does he attend events with alcohol unless she is present. Pence has also indicated that any aides who work late at his office must be male.
The reactions to this policy were predictably polarized on social media, with some accusing Pence of misogyny and gender bias, while others defended him as a man who deeply values his marriage and is being unjustly criticized.
The “Billy Graham Rule”
Within conservative Christian circles, including some members of Congress, this approach is often referred to as the “Billy Graham Rule.” Graham, a prominent evangelical figure, articulated concerns about the potential for sexual temptation to arise during interactions between men and women outside the confines of marriage, stating that he would “not travel, meet, or eat alone with a woman other than my wife.” This principle has led to situations where female staffers are frequently excluded from private meetings, driving with male supervisors, or attending evening events, as noted in a 2015 article in The Atlantic.
Concerns About Professional Advancement
While I respect the private dynamics of Karen and Mike Pence’s marriage, there are significant issues with Pence’s reasoning and actions. This approach reinforces outdated stereotypes about both genders that can hinder women’s professional advancement. By adhering to this rule, Pence implicitly views female colleagues as potential sources of temptation rather than professionals. Simultaneously, it suggests that men are incapable of exercising self-control in the presence of women unless their wives are around, which is an insulting notion that restricts both genders.
As a parent, I want my son to engage with women as equals and friends, not as potential threats to his morality. Likewise, I want my daughter to see herself as capable of forming professional relationships with men without being viewed solely as a source of temptation.
Limitations on Women’s Opportunities
This policy also imposes significant limitations on women’s professional opportunities. Women in male-dominated fields may find themselves unable to participate in essential business dinners, private meetings, or mentorship opportunities simply due to these restrictions. A friend of mine in the scientific community shared, “I can’t see how I could effectively do my job if my boss couldn’t meet one-on-one with me for project updates or performance reviews.”
Furthermore, treating male and female employees differently could potentially violate workplace discrimination laws. Employers are prohibited from differentiating treatment based on gender. As one employment lawyer noted in Vox, “Working dinners with the boss could be considered an opportunity to which both sexes must have equal access.” Elura Nanos, a legal analyst for Law Newz, agrees, stating that treating genders differently in professional contexts is rarely advisable and could lead to legal issues.
Conclusion
Women have long faced discrimination in the workplace, and in 2017, they should not continue to be excluded from private meetings, business trips, or late-night work sessions due to outdated fears of male temptation. Working women deserve better, and so do our daughters.
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In summary, Mike Pence’s reluctance to meet with women alone is not just a personal choice but a practice that perpetuates harmful stereotypes and could limit women’s professional opportunities. These outdated views can have long-lasting implications for future generations.