Douglas Olsen
Azusa Pacific University, a conservative Christian school in Southern California, has had a complex history with its LGBTQ+ students and faculty. While the university initially banned same-sex relationships, it later reversed this decision, allowing gay and lesbian couples to date without engaging in sexual activity. However, this policy change was short-lived, as the Board of Trustees reinstated the ban, citing their commitment to upholding biblical values. Following protests and campaigns from students, the university once again reversed its stance and lifted the ban on same-sex dating. While this signals a step towards inclusion, the university still refuses to recognize legal same-sex marriages, adhering to a traditional view of marriage between a man and a woman. The university's evolving policies and the reactions of its community reflect the ongoing dialogue between religious beliefs and LGBTQ+ rights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Allows same-sex dating | Yes |
| Recognises legal same-sex marriages | No |
| Endorses a "traditional view" of marriage | Yes |
| Open-enrollment institution | Yes |
| Requires students to be Christian | No |
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What You'll Learn
Azusa Pacific University's stance on same-sex relationships
Azusa Pacific University, a Christian-based NCAA Division II school in Southern California, has had a changeable stance on same-sex relationships. The university has been under pressure from both conservative Christian groups and the LGBTQ+ community to rule in their favour regarding the university's policy on same-sex relationships.
In September 2018, the university removed the ban on same-sex relationships, only to have the Board of Trustees reinstate it a few weeks later. The Board of Trustees issued a statement saying that the removal of the ban was "never approved", and that they pledge "to boldly uphold biblical values and not waiver in our Christ-centred mission".
Following campus protests and internal and external conversations, the university has since rescinded the ban, this time seemingly for good. The university's provost, Mark Stanton, said that "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". Stanton also confirmed that "students will not be disciplined for being in same-sex relationships on campus".
The university's Student Government Association, led by an out student, passed a resolution asking the Board of Trustees to "clarify definitions and language of the ban, as lack of clarity is itself abusive, or remove it". This resolution was reportedly taken heavily into consideration and used to create the new student standards of conduct.
Despite this, some Christian groups have expressed sadness that Christian colleges are "caving to pressure from liberal, non-biblical groups".
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The university's definition of a traditional marriage
In 2018, Azusa Pacific University (APU) changed its code of conduct to no longer forbid romantic same-sex relationships as long as both parties abstain from sex. However, the university continues to uphold its definition of traditional marriage as a sacred union between one man and one woman. This definition of marriage is based on the university's interpretation of Christian scripture and theology.
According to APU's statement on human sexuality, the sexual union within the marriage covenant between a man and a woman is designed by God to bring them together as "one flesh," creating a solid foundation for family life. This belief is supported by references to biblical passages such as Genesis 2:18-24 and Ephesians 5:31. The university's stance reflects its commitment to upholding what it understands to be traditional Christian teachings on marriage and sexuality.
While APU has removed explicit prohibitions against same-sex relationships, it maintains that sexual activity should only occur within the context of marriage between a man and a woman. The university's definition of traditional marriage remains unchanged, and it does not recognize same-sex marriage, which is legal in the United States. APU's stance is in line with its identity as a Christian institution and its interpretation of biblical teachings.
Rachel White, a spokesperson for the university, affirmed APU's commitment to the biblical definition of marriage: "APU believes in a biblical definition of marriage as defined as between one man and one woman. All others living outside of that definition are called to abstinence." This statement clarifies that while APU allows for same-sex romantic relationships, it upholds the biblical standard of abstinence for those who do not adhere to the traditional marriage definition.
In conclusion, despite Azusa Pacific University's shift in policy regarding same-sex relationships, it firmly maintains its definition of traditional marriage as exclusively between one man and one woman. This stance is rooted in the university's religious beliefs and interpretation of Christian scripture. While permitting same-sex romance, APU continues to advocate for celibacy outside of heterosexual marriage, reflecting its unwavering commitment to traditional marriage as a foundational aspect of its institutional values.
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The Student Government Association's role in the policy change
The Student Government Association (SGA) is the official governing body representing the interests of nearly 2,500 to 6,000 undergraduate students at Azusa Pacific University. Since its establishment in 1945, the SGA has played an active role in driving positive change on campus.
The SGA is composed of 11 students, a mix of elected and appointed representatives, including strategists, first-year representatives, and student senators. These officers meet weekly to discuss strategies for supporting and engaging students on campus. They work collaboratively with campus offices, presenting the needs and concerns of the student body to the administration. By doing so, the SGA ensures that the voices of the students are heard and addressed.
While the specific details of the policy change regarding gay students at Azusa Pacific University are not mentioned, the SGA's role in representing student interests and driving positive change suggests that they may have had a significant influence on any such policy updates. The SGA's mandate is to improve the student experience and make Azusa Pacific University a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
Through their regular interactions with the student body and campus offices, the SGA members are well-positioned to identify areas where policy changes are needed. They can advocate for updates that align with the values and needs of the student community, particularly when it comes to issues of diversity and inclusion. By working collaboratively with the administration, the SGA can propose, shape, and support the implementation of policies that foster a more inclusive campus culture.
While the exact details of the policy change regarding gay students at Azusa Pacific University are unclear, the SGA, through its representative role and commitment to positive change, likely played a pivotal role in advocating for and facilitating this shift. Their ongoing efforts to improve the student experience and create a more accepting environment for all students have likely contributed to a more inclusive direction for the university.
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The reaction of LGBTQ students and faculty to the policy change
In 2018, LGBTQ students and faculty at Azusa Pacific University expressed their disappointment and frustration over the reinstatement of a code of conduct clause that banned same-sex relationships. The initial removal of the ban was seen as a positive step towards inclusion and respect for the LGBTQ community on campus. However, the reversal of this decision by the Board of Trustees, due to pressure from Christian groups, left many feeling hurt and persecuted.
Erin Green, a graduate of APU and co-executive director of Brave Commons, an LGBTQ student support organization, shared the trauma and vulnerability of LGBTQ students who had shared their stories with the administration, only to feel let down by the reinstatement of the ban. The underground support group, Haven, which had become official after the initial removal of the ban, now faced an uncertain future.
Albert Tate, a member of the board, acknowledged the hurt caused by the reversal and expressed the university's intention to find more inclusive language for the policy. He stated that the university wanted to partner with LGBTQ students to capture their "heart and intent" while upholding their biblical values.
APU provost Mark Stanton affirmed the school's commitment to treating everyone with "Christ-like care and civility" and stated that the values of the institution remained unchanged. The change in policy regarding same-sex dating practices was a significant step towards inclusion, even though the university still did not recognize legal same-sex marriages.
The reaction from the LGBTQ community and their allies reflected a mix of emotions, including happiness for the progress made and disappointment that the university had not gone far enough. The policy change sparked discussions about the equal treatment of LGBTQ students and the need for inclusive language in institutional policies. Despite the backlash, the university maintained its commitment to finding common ground between its Christian beliefs and the LGBTQ community on campus.
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The university's response to protests and petitions
In response to protests and petitions, Azusa Pacific University has taken steps towards finding common ground and promoting mutual respect between its conservative Christian beliefs and the LGBTQ+ community. The university has a commitment to treating everyone with "Christ-like care and civility", as stated by APU provost Mark Stanton.
Initially, the university struggled to balance these commitments with its conservative Christian values. In September 2018, the school briefly lifted the ban on same-sex relationships, only to reinstate it soon after due to backlash from Christian groups. However, following sustained advocacy efforts, including campus protests and internal and external conversations, the university has made significant changes.
The university's Student Government Association, led by LGBTQ+ student Alexis Diaz, played a pivotal role in driving change. They worked with students to pressure the university through a public petition, email campaigns, and public campaigns. The resolution they drafted, calling for the removal or clarification of the ban on romanticized LGBTQ+ relationships, was heavily considered by the administration.
As a result of these efforts, the university has rescinded its ban on same-sex relationships. While the university still upholds a ban on sex outside of marriage, this rule now applies equally regardless of gender or sexual orientation. This change ensures that LGBTQ+ students are treated equally and are not disciplined for same-sex relationships on campus.
Despite this progress, there are still concerns about the university's failure to recognize legal same-sex marriages, as it continues to endorse a "traditional view" of marriage between one man and one woman. Nonetheless, the university's recent changes represent a significant step towards respect and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, gay students can attend Azusa Pacific University. The university is an open-enrollment institution that does not require students to be Christian to attend.
Yes, as of 2019, the university has removed its ban on same-sex dating. Students will not be disciplined for being in same-sex relationships on campus.
No, the university still does not recognize legal same-sex marriages. They endorse a "traditional view" of marriage between one man and one woman.
