[Olivet Nazarene University]. Unfortunately, the circumstances of Martinson's dismissal give the impression that the institution is more committed to quelling potential criticism and controversy than it is committed to defending the academic freedom of its faculty. In this case, dismissing Martinson over the content of his novel, including the presence of a lesbian character, sends a message of exclusion to the ONU community and is likely to have a chilling effect on the free and creative expression of students and faculty."
== Notable alumni ==
Paul Cunningham, former general superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene
James Diehl, former general superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene
R. Wayne Gardner, notable Nazarene minister and President Emeritus of Eastern Nazarene College
David W. Graves, general superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene
Ben Heller, professional baseball player
Adam Kotsko, author, translator, and professor of humanities at Shimer College
Tara Beth Leach, pastor and author
Mike …