YE-SHE-VA

[Phx_Dem]

A Yeshiva University professor left two years ago as a man - and returned last week as a woman.

Literature Professor Joy Ladin, formerly known as Jay Ladin, 47, showed up for her first day of school sporting pink lipstick, a tight purple shirt and a flirty black skirt. She cheerfully strutted through the doors of the Midtown campus' main building, where she oversees the writing center.

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Although some rabbis are outraged by Ladin's return, many students are celebrating.

Sarah Rindner, 25, of the Upper West Side, took Ladin's classes twice in 2006 before the professor went on leave.

"This is great news, and I'm sure the university won't regret it," said the former student, who now works as a high-school English teacher.

Shayndi Raice Sigall, 26, of the Upper East Side, took Ladin's class in 2004 and said her return would offer students a unique learning experience.

"There are transgender people all over the world, and this is a wonderful opportunity for the school to show students firsthand how you can respect and learn from someone who might be different from you," Sigall said.

The transgender community is also thrilled with the surprising decision.

"I think it's fabulous and wonderful. I don't know of any other religiously conservative university that employs someone trans," said Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality.

University President Richard Joel declined comment, except to say, "I'm proud of my university and all my faculty."

http://www.cjp.org/page.aspx?id=183524

[question everything]

1. Do they even have women on the faculty? (nt)