Gay Students And Azusa Pacific University: A Match?

Azusa Pacific University, a Christian-based NCAA Division II school in Southern California, has had a tumultuous relationship with its LGBTQ+ students over the years. While the university has previously banned same-sex relationships, it has since lifted this prohibition, now allowing LGBTQ+ students to date members of the same sex. This change was implemented to foster a place of mutual respect between its conservative Christian belief system and the LGBTQ+ community. However, it is important to note that the university still upholds a traditional view of marriage and prohibits sex outside of marriage, applying this rule equally across genders and sexual orientations.

Azusa Pacific University's ban on same-sex relationships

Background

Azusa Pacific University (APU) is a conservative Christian college in Southern California. The college does not require students to be Christian to attend, but it maintains a strong evangelical identity.

The Ban

APU's Student Standards of Conduct previously included a provision stating, "Students may not engage in a romanticized same-sex relationship." This was accompanied by a statement on human sexuality, which declared that "homosexual acts" are "expressly forbidden" by Scripture and that "heterosexuality is God's design for sexually intimate relationships."

Opposition to the Ban

The ban was opposed by student groups, including the Student Government Association and Brave Commons, an LGBTQ student group. They argued that the ban was discriminatory and inconsistent with the college's own policies, which protected students from a "hostile environment" based on their "sexual orientation" and "gender identity."

Removal of the Ban

In September 2018, APU removed the ban on same-sex relationships, only to reinstate it a few weeks later following backlash from Christian groups. However, after campus protests and internal and external conversations, the college once again removed the ban in March 2019.

Current Situation

The current student standards of conduct at APU prohibit "sexual intimacy outside the context of marriage," with marriage defined as between one man and one woman. While the college still does not recognize same-sex marriages, students are no longer disciplined for being in same-sex relationships on campus.

Reactions

The removal of the ban has been celebrated by LGBTQ activists and students, who see it as a step towards respect and inclusion. However, some evangelicals have criticized the change, arguing that it contradicts biblical teachings on sexual holiness.

The university's commitment to treating everyone with respect

Azusa Pacific University (APU) has a stated commitment to treating everyone with respect. This is reflected in its decision to remove the ban on same-sex relationships and its pledge to apply uniform standards of behaviour to all students in a nondiscriminatory fashion.

In a statement, APU provost Mark Stanton said: "APU is an open-enrollment institution, which does not require students to be Christian to attend, and the handbook conveys our commitment to treating everyone with Christ-like care and civility. Our values are unchanged, and the APU community remains unequivocally biblical in our Christian evangelical identity."

The university's Student Standards of Conduct previously included a provision stating, "Students may not engage in a romanticised same-sex relationship." This has been removed, and the standards now read: "Students may not engage in sexual intimacy outside the context of marriage."

This change was driven by APU's Student Government Association, which passed a resolution calling on the Board of Trustees to clarify the definitions and language of the ban or remove it. The resolution was drafted and produced by LGBTQ students and was taken heavily into consideration by the administration.

The result of this process was a policy that allows for same-sex romantic relationships while reaffirming the university's commitment to its Christian identity and values. The Associate Dean of Students, Bill Fiala, stated that the changes "create one standard for all undergraduate students, as opposed to differential standards for different groups."

APU's commitment to treating everyone with respect is further demonstrated by its decision to provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ students on campus. This decision was made in response to a resolution passed by the APU Student Government Association.

While the university's policies and values have evolved to be more inclusive, it still upholds its Christian identity and beliefs. The university continues to endorse a traditional view of marriage between one man and one woman and expects students to abide by biblical standards of sexual behaviour.

The role of student groups in influencing policy changes

Student groups have played a pivotal role in influencing policy changes at Azusa Pacific University, a Christian-based university in Southern California, with regards to its stance on the LGBTQ community. The university's student body is diverse, with students from various religious, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds, and this diversity has played a role in shaping the university's policies.

In the case of Azusa Pacific University, the student government association, led by LGBTQ students, passed a resolution requesting the Board of Trustees to clarify the definitions and language of the ban on same-sex relationships, or to remove it altogether. This resolution was drafted and produced by LGBTQ students, who argued that the lack of clarity in the ban was abusive and discriminatory. The student group worked in collaboration with an external organisation, Brave Commons, to pressure the university through public petitions, email campaigns, and other advocacy strategies.

The efforts of these student groups had a significant impact. After a period of campus protests and internal and external discussions, the university decided to rescind its ban on same-sex relationships. This decision was a result of the university's attempt to find common ground and foster mutual respect between its conservative Christian values and the LGBTQ community. The change in policy was also influenced by external organisations like Brave Commons and Common Ground, which advocated for the inclusion and equal treatment of LGBTQ students on campus.

Student groups can play a crucial role in influencing policy changes within educational institutions. They have the power to raise awareness, mobilise their peers, and advocate for issues that affect them directly. By engaging in dialogue with university administration and decision-makers, student groups can contribute to creating policies that are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the diverse needs of the student body. Additionally, student groups can collaborate with external organisations and communities to amplify their voices and gain support for their causes.

The impact of external pressures, such as threats of lawsuits and funding cuts

The Christian-based Azusa Pacific University (APU) has faced external pressures, including the threat of lawsuits and funding cuts, which have influenced its policies regarding LGBTQ+ students. In 2017, APU was sued by an employee who claimed harassment due to their sexual orientation. This lawsuit, along with campus protests and internal and external conversations, pressured the university to reevaluate its stance on same-sex relationships.

APU's Student Government Association, led by LGBTQ+ students, played a crucial role in advocating for policy changes. They passed a resolution requesting the Board of Trustees to clarify the definitions and language regarding the ban on same-sex relationships or remove it altogether. This resolution was heavily considered in creating the new student standards of conduct.

The threat of funding cuts and loss of accreditation has also influenced APU's policies. In 2016, California's legislature almost passed SB 1146, which would have required private Christian colleges to comply with "anti-discrimination" provisions to accept students receiving state financial aid. Although the bill was retracted due to backlash, the possibility of future legislation remains. This potential threat may have influenced APU's decision to revise its student standards of conduct, removing the prohibition on public LGBTQ+ relationships.

Additionally, APU has faced financial challenges, with Moody's Investors Service downgrading its bond rating due to weak financial performance. The university has implemented cost-cutting measures, including reducing teaching faculty positions and considering changes to faculty contract systems. These financial pressures have likely contributed to APU's willingness to avoid further funding losses associated with discriminatory policies toward the LGBTQ+ community.

APU's response to external pressures demonstrates the impact of lawsuits, funding threats, and accreditation requirements on the policies of religious institutions. While the university has made concessions by allowing same-sex relationships, it continues to uphold its conservative Christian beliefs by maintaining its stance on marriage as a union between a man and a woman. The external pressures have influenced APU to strive for a balance between upholding its religious identity and promoting inclusion for its LGBTQ+ students.

The university's stance on pre-marital sex and celibacy

Azusa Pacific University (APU) is a Christian-based university that has gone back and forth on its policies regarding same-sex relationships. In September 2018, the university removed its ban on same-sex relationships, only to have the Board of Trustees reinstate it a few weeks later following backlash from Christian groups. However, after campus protests and conversations, the university once again rescinded the ban in March 2019. While the university now allows same-sex dating, it continues to uphold its ban on pre-marital sex for all students, regardless of sexual orientation.

The university's current sexuality statement includes six foundational principles from the Bible on human sexual relationships. These principles state that humans are inherently relational and that sexual union is intended by God to take place only within the marriage covenant between a man and a woman. The statement also emphasizes that followers of Christ are called to remain celibate outside of marriage. It asserts that sexual union outside of marriage is a sin against one's own body, which is considered the temple of the Holy Spirit.

While APU has removed its explicit ban on same-sex relationships, it maintains its stance on pre-marital sex and celibacy for all students. The university's commitment to its religious values and interpretation of Scripture influences its policies and expectations regarding student conduct. The university's goal is to provide a conservative, evangelical perspective on human sexuality while also striving for inclusion and respect for its LGBTQ+ students.

Frequently asked questions