Liberty University's Stance On Lgbtq+ Students

Liberty University, a private evangelical Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia, founded by televangelist Jerry Falwell Sr., is known for its conservative reputation. The university's honor code, called the Liberty Way, prohibits premarital sex, cohabitation, any kind of romantic relationship between members of the same sex, and alcohol use. While the university does not explicitly ban LGBTQ+ students, its policies and culture create an unwelcoming and discriminatory environment for them.

The Liberty Way includes strict rules regarding sexuality and relationships, stating that sexual relations are only permitted within a heterosexual marriage. The code also prohibits same-sex romantic displays of affection, such as hand-holding, kissing, and dating. Additionally, students are expected to use restrooms and changing facilities corresponding to their birth sex. These restrictions have been further tightened in recent years, with the code now explicitly banning statements and behaviors associated with LGBT states of mind.

LGBTQ+ students at Liberty University often face challenges and struggles due to the university's stance. Some students have reported feeling isolated, scared, and ashamed. There have been instances where LGBTQ+ students have been reported by their roommates or resident advisers, leading to confrontations and even threats of expulsion. The university has also been accused of offering conversion therapy, or pastoral counseling, which aims to suppress or change students' sexual orientation or gender identity.

Despite the challenges, there is a small underground community of LGBTQ+ students at Liberty University. This community provides support and a sense of belonging for its members. Some students have also spoken out against the university's policies and participated in demonstrations supporting LGBTQ+ rights and the #MeToo movement. However, these actions have sometimes led to backlash and negative consequences for the students involved.

While Liberty University maintains its Christian mission and right to act in accordance with its religious objectives, its treatment of LGBTQ+ students has been widely criticized. The university's policies and practices have been described as discriminatory, infringing on students' freedom of speech and expression, and contributing to a culture of fear and intolerance.

LGBTQ+ students at Liberty University

Liberty University, a private evangelical Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia, founded in 1971 by televangelist Jerry Falwell, has a reputation for being unwelcoming to LGBTQ+ students. The university maintains a conservative culture with policies and practices that have been deemed discriminatory towards the LGBTQ+ community. While the university does not explicitly ban LGBTQ+ students from enrolling, they are expected to abide by the institution's religious objectives and honour code, which includes adhering to specific standards of conduct and behaviour.

The Liberty Way Honour Code

The Liberty Way is the university's honour code, which sets out the expected behaviour and conduct of its students. The code includes restrictions on alcohol consumption, premarital sex, and same-sex relationships. Specifically, it prohibits "statements and behaviours associated with LGBT states of mind" and "actions confirming denial of biological birth sex". This includes the use of restrooms and changing facilities that do not align with one's birth sex and the use of pronouns that are inconsistent with one's birth sex.

Experiences of LGBTQ+ Students

The experiences of LGBTQ+ students at Liberty University have been varied. Some students have reported feeling isolated, scared, and ashamed due to the university's conservative culture and honour code. They have had to hide their sexual orientation or gender identity to avoid punishment, fines, or expulsion. Some students have even transferred to other institutions or dropped out of the university due to the unwelcoming environment. However, there is also a small underground LGBTQ+ community on campus, and some students have found support and acceptance within this group.

Official Responses

Liberty University has maintained its Christian mission and right to discriminate on the basis of religion. They have stated that they do not engage in unlawful discrimination and that they respect the right to act in furtherance of their religious objectives. The university offers pastoral counselling, which some students have perceived as conversion therapy. While the university does not explicitly call it conversion therapy, students have reported feeling pressured to change their sexual orientation or gender identity through these counselling sessions.

Protests and Demonstrations

There have been protests and demonstrations by LGBTQ+ students and their allies on campus, demanding more inclusion and respect. In March 2019, a group of 20-30 students organised a demonstration in response to comments made by university officials, which they deemed transphobic and offensive. The demonstration included students from both the LGBTQ+ and #MeToo movements, and it sparked conversations about the treatment of marginalised groups on campus.

Changes and Updates to Policies

In recent years, there have been changes and updates to the university's policies and practices regarding the LGBTQ+ community. In 2021, the Liberty Way honour code was quietly updated to include more explicit restrictions on LGBTQ+ expression and behaviour. This change went largely unnoticed by the student body and the media until months later. Additionally, in 2019, the university withdrew official recognition of the student Young Democrats club, citing differences in political positions, particularly on abortion rights.

Impact and Consequences

The unwelcoming environment and discriminatory policies at Liberty University have had a significant impact on LGBTQ+ students. Many have reported feeling isolated and struggling with their mental health. Some have even attempted suicide or relapsed into eating disorders. The fear of punishment or expulsion has also limited their ability to express their true selves and form meaningful connections with others.

External Perspectives

External organisations, such as Campus Pride, have listed Liberty University as one of the worst universities for LGBTQ+ students due to its discriminatory policies and practices. Additionally, the university has faced legal consequences for its treatment of the LGBTQ+ community. In 2024, the university was fined $14 million for Clery Act violations, which include failing to report campus crime and safety statistics and retaliating against employees who raised concerns.

While Liberty University allows LGBTQ+ students to enrol, the culture, policies, and practices of the institution create a challenging and often unwelcoming environment for these students. The university's honour code and religious objectives take precedence over inclusion and diversity, leading to feelings of isolation and fear among LGBTQ+ students. However, there are small pockets of support and resistance within the student community, and some alumni have spoken out about their experiences, advocating for change and a more inclusive environment.

The Liberty Way

In 2021, the code was updated to include the following:

> While mental thoughts, temptations and states of mind are not regulated by The Liberty Way, statements and behaviours that are associated with LGBT states of mind are prohibited. For example, romantic displays of affection with a member of the same sex (e.g. hand-holding, kissing, dating, etc.) and actions confirming denial of biological birth sex (e.g. asking to be referred to by pronouns inconsistent with one's birth sex, using restrooms and changing facilities reserved for persons other than one's birth sex, etc.) are prohibited.

The university maintains its Christian mission and reserves the right to discriminate on the basis of religion, to the extent that applicable law respects its right to act in furtherance of its religious objectives.

History

Liberty University was founded in 1971 by televangelist Jerry Falwell, a man renowned for his attacks on the gay community. In the 1980s, he claimed that "AIDS is not just God's punishment for homosexuals. It is God's punishment for the society that tolerates homosexuals."

Falwell's successor, his son Jerry Falwell Jr, resigned in 2020 amid a sexual scandal. In 2023, Dondi Costin was named president of the university.

Student Experience

Students at Liberty University have reported feeling that they have to remain in the shadows or hide their dating behaviour in order to graduate. Some students have reported being reported by their roommates for being in same-sex relationships, and subsequently being forced to undergo pastoral counselling, which is seen as a form of conversion therapy.

In 2019, a group of 20-30 Liberty University students organised a #MeToo and LGBTQ+ demonstration on campus in response to comments made by Falwell Jr, his wife, and Donald Trump Jr. at CPAC. The demonstrators engaged in peaceful discussions and held signs to raise awareness for victims of sexual abuse.

Despite the university's stance, an underground queer community exists at Liberty University, with around 133 members in an online group as of 2020.

Conversion therapy

In the context of Liberty University, the school maintains a conservative and Christian perspective on LGBTQ+ issues. The university's non-discrimination policy states that it "reserves its right to discriminate on the basis of religion to the extent that applicable law respects its right to act in furtherance of its religious objectives." The university's School of Law specifically mentions its commitment to the "traditional biblical definition of gender" and marriage between "a natural-born man and a natural-born woman." It also states that conduct contradicting these definitions is "inconsistent with the Liberty University Doctrinal Position and the Bible."

While Liberty University does not explicitly mention conversion therapy, its stance on LGBTQ+ issues reflects a similar ideology. The university's conservative reputation and religious foundation suggest that it may not be a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students. However, there have been demonstrations and protests by LGBTQ+ students and allies on campus, indicating a diverse range of perspectives within the student body.

Methods used in conversion therapy can range from psychotherapy (talk therapy) to extreme medical procedures and faith-based interventions. Talk therapy is the most common approach, but it may also involve behavioral, interpersonal, or cognitive therapies. Some providers teach stereotypical masculine and feminine behaviors or use hypnosis to try to change thought patterns. Another method is aversion therapy, where individuals are exposed to painful or uncomfortable sensations like electric shocks, nausea-inducing drugs, or paralysis-causing drugs, in an attempt to create a negative association with their attractions or identity.

In extreme cases, conversion therapy can involve violent or torturous practices, such as beating, shackling, food deprivation, or even exorcism. These practices have been described by experts as torture and a violation of human rights. Despite the lack of scientific backing, some socially or religiously conservative activists continue to promote conversion therapy, targeting LGBTQ+ youth who are particularly vulnerable.

Faith-based interventions are also common in conversion therapy. In some religious practices, homosexuality and other forms of gender expression are viewed as "evil," and clergy or spiritual advisers may perform conversion therapy. This may include the use of anti-gay slurs, prayers, or even physical violence. These practices can have a detrimental impact on self-esteem and emotional and physical health, leading to feelings of being "less than" or "damaged."

While conversion therapy is often conducted by unlicensed providers, it is important to note that licensed medical and mental health professionals are also not qualified to provide conversion therapy. National health organizations have uniformly denounced and criticized these practices, stating that there is no scientific evidence of their efficacy and that they can cause harm, including increased rates of depression, substance abuse, and other mental health issues.

Discrimination and expulsion

Liberty University, a private evangelical Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia, founded by Jerry Falwell Sr. in 1971, has a long history of discriminating against LGBTQ+ students. The university's honor code, called the "Liberty Way", prohibits premarital sex, cohabitation, any kind of romantic relationship between members of the same sex, and alcohol use. While the code does not explicitly mention LGBTQ+ people, it effectively bans same-sex relationships by only permitting sexual relations within a "biblically-ordained marriage between a natural-born man and a natural-born woman".

The discriminatory nature of the "Liberty Way" has led to a culture of fear and secrecy among LGBTQ+ students, who often feel they have to hide their identities to avoid punishment or expulsion. The code was also alleged to make it difficult for students to report sexual violence and has been criticised for promoting a culture of "sexual purity" that discourages and dismisses reports of sexual assault.

In recent years, there have been some efforts by LGBTQ+ students to advocate for their rights and raise awareness on campus. In 2019, a group of 20-30 students organised a #MeToo and LGBTQ+ demonstration in response to comments made by university officials that were deemed transphobic and offensive to sexual assault victims. Additionally, an underground queer community of nearly 200 students has formed, providing a space for LGBTQ+ individuals to connect and support each other.

However, the university administration has largely maintained its stance against LGBTQ+ rights. In 2021, the "Liberty Way" was quietly updated to explicitly prohibit "statements and behaviours associated with LGBT states of mind", including romantic displays of affection between same-sex couples and the use of pronouns or restrooms that do not match an individual's birth sex. These changes were made without consulting the university's Office of Equity and Inclusion, and have been criticised for further restricting the freedom and rights of LGBTQ+ students.

The university has also been accused of offering conversion therapy, or "pastoral counselling", to LGBTQ+ students. While the university refers to it as counselling, students who have participated in these sessions report feeling pressured to suppress their attractions and conform to heterosexual norms.

The discriminatory policies and practices of Liberty University have had significant impacts on the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ students. Many have struggled with internalised homophobia, mental health issues, and even suicide attempts. Some have had to hide their relationships or live in fear of being reported by their peers or roommates. Others have chosen to leave the university, either by transferring to a more accepting institution or by dropping out altogether.

While there are some signs of progress, such as the formation of an underground queer community and small-scale protests, it is clear that discrimination and expulsion are still significant issues for LGBTQ+ students at Liberty University. The university's administration continues to uphold its conservative Christian values, often at the expense of the rights and well-being of its LGBTQ+ student population.

Support networks

Liberty University is a private evangelical Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia, founded in 1971 by Jerry Falwell Sr. and Elmer L. Towns. The university is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia and is known for its conservative reputation. While the university's honor code, called the "Liberty Way", prohibits romantic relationships between members of the same sex, there are support networks and resources available for LGBTQ+ students.

Official Support

In 2019, students organized a #MeToo and LGBTQ+ demonstration on campus in response to comments made by President Jerry Falwell Jr., Becki Falwell, and Donald Trump Jr. at CPAC. The demonstration, which included the stretching of a pride flag, was a call for the university to be more inclusive and welcoming to LGBTQ+ students.

The university's Vice President for Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer, Greg Dowell, stated that Liberty works hard to make every student feel welcome, regardless of their agreement with the university's mission or doctrinal statement. Dowell invited students to engage in dialogue with his office about these matters and encouraged them to reach out.

Unofficial Support

Unofficial support networks for LGBTQ+ students also exist at Liberty University. In a Reddit thread, users shared their experiences as LGBTQ+ students at the university, with some offering advice and support to others. One user recommended connecting with a gay Liberty alum on Twitter, while another user shared that there is a "reasonably sized, albeit underground, queer community" on campus.

Another user, a current employee and alum who came out while attending the university, shared that while there are some homophobic comments from students, professors, and convocation speakers, there are also other LGBTQ+ students to connect with. They added that it largely depends on one's tolerance for the negative comments as to whether one would find the university enjoyable or not.

Additionally, in the comments section of a Liberty Champion article, a user shared that there are "more of us [LGBTQ+ students] than you'd think" and offered to connect with others. This sense of community and support among LGBTQ+ students was also echoed by another user, who stated that there are "definitely some bad" experiences, but there is also the opportunity to find one's group.

Mixed Responses

However, it is important to note that responses to LGBTQ+ students and the existence of support networks can be mixed. While some students and community members expressed support for LGBTQ+ students and participated in demonstrations, others disagreed and viewed LGBTQ+ lifestyles as contradicting absolute truth taught in the Bible.

While Liberty University's official honor code prohibits romantic relationships between members of the same sex, there are both official and unofficial support networks available for LGBTQ+ students. These include the Vice President for Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer, as well as underground queer communities and alumni networks. However, it is important to recognize that responses can vary, and some students and community members may hold negative views towards LGBTQ+ individuals.

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