
Vanguard University, a Christian college in Costa Mesa, California, has been accused of discriminating against LGBTQ+ people and same-sex relationships. The university's affiliation with the Pentecostal Christian group Assemblies of God, which rejects homosexuality and gay marriage, has sparked controversy. While Vanguard allows students to enroll, its policies against same-sex relationships can lead to disciplinary action, including expulsion. The university has also faced scrutiny over its business dealings with the Orange County Fairgrounds, with the state investigating possible anti-discrimination law violations. Despite these controversies, Vanguard continues to operate and welcome students from diverse backgrounds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Costa Mesa, California |
| Type of institution | Private Christian school |
| Religious affiliation | Pentecostal Christian group known as Assemblies of God |
| Stance on same-sex relations | Rejects same-sex relationships |
| Disciplinary action for students in same-sex relationships | Includes expulsion |
| Tuition fee | $300 enrollment deposit |
| Housing | $200 housing deposit |
| Housing availability | First come first served basis |
| Courses offered | Traditional undergraduate programs, transfer programs, non-degree programs, continuing education units, certificates, military science units |
| Partnerships | OC Fair & Event Center, Loyola Marymount University, California State University Fullerton |
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What You'll Learn

Vanguard University's stance on homosexuality
Vanguard University, a Christian college in Costa Mesa, California, has been condemned by LGBTQ+ advocates for its stance on homosexuality and same-sex relationships. The university is affiliated with the Pentecostal Christian group Assemblies of God, which rejects homosexuality and gay marriage. According to an official church statement:
> The Assemblies of God... teaches that any and all same-sex sexual attractions are to be resisted, and believers are to refrain from any and all same-sex sexual acts or conduct, which are intrinsically disordered.
Vanguard University's student handbook states that students who violate the university's policies against same-sex relationships may be subject to disciplinary action, including expulsion.
In 2019, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing investigated a $75,000 contract between Vanguard University and the OC Fair & Event Center over possible violations of anti-discrimination laws. The contract, which involved Vanguard University promoting fairground programming and providing student performances at events, did not include a state-required anti-discrimination clause. The investigation was sparked by a complaint filed by activist Reggie Mundekis, who stated that Vanguard University is "free to hold those beliefs and run their university how they choose to."
While Vanguard University maintains its stance against same-sex relationships, it is important to note that the university has faced scrutiny and legal inquiries into potential discrimination based on its policies and affiliations.
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California's investigation into Vanguard University
Vanguard University, a private Protestant university in Costa Mesa, California, has been under scrutiny by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing over a possible violation of anti-discrimination laws. The investigation, prompted by a complaint filed by activist Reggie Mundekis, focuses on a $75,000 contract between Vanguard University and the OC Fair & Event Center, located across the street from the university. The contract, which included promotional activities and student performances at events, lacked a state-required anti-discrimination clause.
Vanguard University, affiliated with the Assemblies of God, a Pentecostal Christian denomination, has a stated stance against same-sex relations. The Assemblies of God teach that "any and all same-sex sexual attractions are to be resisted" and that "believers are to refrain from any and all same-sex sexual acts or conduct, which are intrinsically disordered." The university's position has sparked concerns about LGBTQ inclusivity at the fairgrounds, which have recently hosted initiatives promoting LGBTQ+ inclusivity, such as the Out at the Fair festival and the flying of the rainbow pride flag year-round.
The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing's investigation aims to determine whether the contract between Vanguard University and the OC Fair & Event Center complies with state anti-discrimination regulations. Terry Moore, a spokeswoman for the Fair & Event Center, stated that staff had not yet prepared a formal response to the complaint. David Vazquez, director of external relations for Vanguard University, denied the existence of any current contracts with the OC Fair & Event Center involving cash exchange or contribution.
While Vanguard University upholds its religious beliefs and the right to operate accordingly, the investigation by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing highlights the potential conflict between religious freedom and anti-discrimination laws. The outcome of this investigation will have implications for similar situations involving religious institutions and their adherence to anti-discrimination standards in California and beyond.
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Vanguard University's contract with the O.C. fairgrounds
Vanguard University, a private Christian school, is affiliated with the Assemblies of God, a Pentecostal Christian denomination that rejects same-sex relationships. Vanguard University's views on homosexuality have been condemned by LGBTQ+ advocates. Vanguard University students who violate the school's policies against same-sex relationships can be expelled.
In 2019, Vanguard University and the OC Fair & Event Center had a $75,000 contract for Vanguard to promote fairground programming and for students to perform at events. The contract was scrutinized by the state over a possible violation of antidiscrimination laws. The contract was a sponsorship agreement, with the fairground paying Vanguard University to display signage at the campus theater, cross-promote programming, and dispatch the university's musical theater students to perform at the Orange County Fair, as well as the Imaginology and Salute to Veterans events at the fairgrounds. The contract did not include a state-required antidiscrimination clause.
The state investigation was in response to a complaint filed by activist Reggie Mundekis, who called for Vanguard to return the money it received from the fairgrounds. Vanguard University and the OC Fair & Event Center's contract ended on December 31, 2018. However, the fairgrounds' fiscal budget for the following year included $25,000 for the university under "community engagement" spending.
In 2014, Vanguard University also had a partnership with the Orange County Board of Supervisors, offering county employees a reduced tuition rate in exchange for advertising. This partnership was criticized by the local LGBTQ+ community for violating the county's nondiscrimination policy, and the university withdrew it later that year.
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Vanguard University's religious affiliation
Vanguard University, officially Vanguard University of Southern California, is a private Protestant university in Costa Mesa, California. It was the first four-year college in Orange County. Vanguard's required core curriculum includes courses on American politics and history, theology, fine arts, and public speaking. Vanguard University is a nationally recognized leader in Christian higher education, cultivating academic excellence, character development, and global perspective. The university's mission is to pursue knowledge, cultivate character, deepen faith, and equip each student for a Spirit-empowered life of Christ-centered leadership and service.
The university is affiliated with the Assemblies of God, a Pentecostal Christian denomination that rejects same-sex relationships. According to an official church statement, the Assemblies of God teaches that:
> any and all same-sex sexual attractions are to be resisted, and believers are to refrain from any and all same-sex sexual acts or conduct, which are intrinsically disordered.
While Vanguard University's religious affiliation and conservative views on same-sex relationships have drawn scrutiny, the university maintains its commitment to Christian values and biblical teachings. The university's small, Christ-centered community fosters spiritual and academic growth, with caring professors and a supportive environment for students to form close-knit friendships.
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Disciplinary action for students in same-sex relationships
Vanguard University, a private Christian school, has been under scrutiny for its stance against same-sex relationships. The university is affiliated with the Assemblies of God, a Pentecostal Christian denomination that rejects same-sex relationships. According to the church's official statement, believers are to refrain from any and all same-sex sexual acts or conduct, which they consider "intrinsically disordered."
While Vanguard University allows gay students to enrol, there have been concerns regarding potential disciplinary actions for students in same-sex relationships. In 2019, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing investigated a contract between Vanguard University and the OC Fair & Event Center due to possible violations of antidiscrimination laws. The investigation was sparked by a complaint filed by activist Reggie Mundekis, who highlighted the university's stance against same-sex relations.
Although the specific details of the investigation are not publicly available, it brought attention to the potential conflict between Vanguard University's religious beliefs and antidiscrimination laws. It is important to note that Vanguard University, as a private religious institution, has the autonomy to uphold its beliefs and manage its operations accordingly.
Regarding disciplinary actions, Vanguard University, guided by its religious affiliation, may have internal policies or codes of conduct that address same-sex relationships among students. These policies could outline consequences or disciplinary measures for students who engage in same-sex relationships. However, without explicit information from the university or firsthand accounts, the specifics of any disciplinary actions remain unknown.
It is crucial to respect the university's religious freedoms while also ensuring that students' rights are protected. Disciplinary actions against students in same-sex relationships may vary depending on the university's interpretation of its religious doctrines and its commitment to creating an inclusive environment. Prospective students concerned about this issue should refer to the university's student handbook or seek clarification from the administration to understand their policies and any potential consequences clearly.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Vanguard University does not allow gay students. The university is a private Christian school affiliated with the Pentecostal Christian group Assemblies of God, which rejects homosexuality and gay marriage. Vanguard University's student handbook states that students who violate the school's policies against same-sex relationships may face disciplinary action, including expulsion.
Vanguard University has been condemned by LGBTQ+ advocates for its stance against same-sex relations and has been scrutinized by the state for possible violations of anti-discrimination laws.
Yes, in 2019, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing investigated a contract between Vanguard University and the OC Fair & Event Center due to concerns over discrimination. The contract did not include a state-required anti-discrimination clause, and the university's affiliation with the Assemblies of God raised questions about potential violations of California law, which prohibits state agencies from providing funding to organizations that discriminate based on sexual orientation.











































