Vanguard University's Policy On Lgbtq+ Students

Vanguard University is a private Protestant university in Costa Mesa, California, with a history of affiliation to the Assemblies of God, a Pentecostal Christian denomination. The university's code of conduct prohibits romanticized same-sex relationships and includes homosexual behaviour as prohibited sexual misconduct. In 2019, Vanguard was investigated by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing over a possible violation of anti-discrimination laws due to its stance against same-sex relations. The university has since been included in the Worst List by Campus Pride, which identifies campuses that openly discriminate against LGBTQ+ youth. However, Vanguard identifies as a place for everyone, with a commitment to continuing its heritage as an institution of the Pentecostal tradition, which includes a gender-inclusive community.

Vanguard University's stance on same-sex relationships

Vanguard University, a private Protestant university in Costa Mesa, California, 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:

> [A]ny 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.

The Vanguard University student code of conduct states that "individuals may not engage in a romanticized same-sex relationship" and includes "homosexual behaviour" as prohibited sexual misconduct. Vanguard's heritage is rooted in the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles at the turn of the twentieth century, which generated a multicultural, multiracial, and gender-inclusive community of Spirit-empowered Christian believers. Today, Vanguard continues to welcome those from all walks of life, including minority and first-generation college students.

The university's contract with the OC Fair & Event Center

Vanguard University, a private Christian school in Costa Mesa, California, has been under scrutiny for its contract with the OC Fair & Event Center. The $75,000 contract between the state-owned fairgrounds and the university involved Vanguard promoting fairground programming and its students performing at events. However, Vanguard's stance against same-sex relations has raised concerns about possible violations of antidiscrimination laws.

The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing launched an investigation in 2019 after a complaint was filed by activist Reggie Mundekis. Vanguard's student code of conduct prohibits "homosexual behavior" and "same-sex romantic relationships," subjecting violators to discipline. The university is affiliated with the Assemblies of God, a Pentecostal Christian denomination that rejects same-sex relationships.

The investigation centered on whether the contract between Vanguard and the publicly owned fairgrounds violated California law, which prohibits state agencies from providing funding to organizations that discriminate based on sexual orientation. Vanguard's spokesperson, David Vazquez, stated that the university did not have any ongoing cash contracts with the fairgrounds at the time.

The outcome of the investigation is not publicly available, but the situation highlights the tension between religious freedom and antidiscrimination laws, particularly in partnerships between religious institutions and state agencies.

Vanguard's student code of conduct

Vanguard University is a private Protestant university in Costa Mesa, California. It was the first four-year college in Orange County. The Vanguard Student Handbook outlines the code of conduct that students are expected to follow.

Dancing Policy

Under the Vanguard Student Handbook's "Dancing Policy", social dancing is not allowed on Vanguard University's campus; however, it is permitted at university-sponsored off-campus events. Despite this rule, Vanguard students have been observed dancing on-campus at events such as the 70s Disco thrown by the Office of Student Engagement. Off-campus, students have been known to dance at weddings and go line dancing without facing any consequences.

Academic Integrity and Dishonesty Policy

The Vanguard Student Handbook also outlines an academic integrity and dishonesty policy, which defines three levels of plagiarism: minimal, substantial, and complete. Minimal plagiarism includes inserting 2-3 distinctive words verbatim from another source, substituting synonyms, reordering clauses, imitating sentence structure, or using another's line of logic, thesis, or ideas. Substantial plagiarism includes inserting longer passages verbatim, combining paraphrasing with verbatim sentences, or repeatedly engaging in minimal plagiarism. Complete plagiarism includes submitting another's published or unpublished work, using a file of old assignments, downloading a term paper from a website, reusing previously submitted work, and more.

Disciplinary Procedures

If a student violates any of the guidelines, disciplinary action will be taken. This can include community service, fines, revoked computer privileges, loss of credit for assignments or courses, or dismissal from the university. In serious cases, a student's name and description of the violation may be reported to the police.

Computer Usage Guidelines

The Vanguard Student Handbook also outlines guidelines for computer usage, including general use guidelines and student responsibilities. Students are expected to use computers and networks for university-related activities only and to observe federal, state, and local laws. Students are prohibited from sharing user IDs and passwords, leaving terminals logged on and unattended, and writing down user IDs and passwords. They are also not permitted to seek information about, browse, copy, or modify another person's files without explicit permission.

The university's history of inclusivity

Vanguard University has a long history of inclusivity, with a commitment to expanding its influence and service through education. As a Christian university, Vanguard is dedicated to providing excellent education without compromising its values.

The university was founded in 1920 as the Southern California Bible School by Harold K. Needham, D. W. Kerr, and W. C. Peirce. The school's mission was to prepare Christian workers for various ministries of the church. This institution moved from Los Angeles to Pasadena in 1927 and was chartered by the state of California in 1939 as the Southern California Bible College, becoming the first four-year institution of the Assemblies of God.

In 1943, the college gained recognition from the government for training military chaplains and moved to its current campus in 1950, becoming Orange County's first four-year college. The school's name changed to Southern California College in 1959 when liberal arts majors were added to the curriculum.

Over the years, Vanguard University has continued to grow and expand its academic offerings. In 1964, it gained regional accreditation and membership in the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The college's teaching credential program was approved by the California State Board of Education in 1967. In 1983, the Graduate Studies Program received approval, and in 1994, a Degree Completion Program was started for adult learners.

Finally, in 1999, Southern California College achieved university status and became Vanguard University of Southern California. Today, Vanguard University comprises four schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Patty Arvielo School of Business and Management, the School of Education, and the School of Theology and Ministry. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is committed to preparing students for various types of ministry and professional vocations.

The university's affiliation with the Assemblies of God

Vanguard University, originally known as Southern California Bible School, was founded in 1920 by Harold K. Needham, D. W. Kerr, and W. C. Peirce. The university is a private Protestant university in Costa Mesa, California.

The university is affiliated with the General Council of the Assemblies of God, USA (Springfield, MO) through the Southern California (SoCal) Network of the Assemblies of God (Irvine, CA). Vanguard embraces the Assemblies of God doctrinal statement and its Pentecostal heritage of Spirit-empowered life and thought. The university's mission is to further the gospel of Jesus Christ and to equip students to fulfill God’s call on their lives.

The university's history is rooted in the Pentecostal tradition that was birthed out of the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles, California, in the early 20th century. Vanguard University has a strong commitment to Christian education and seeks to expand its influence and service through academic excellence. The university's core curriculum includes courses on American politics and history, theology, fine arts, and public speaking.

Vanguard University is divided into four schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Patty Arvielo School of Business and Communication, the School of Education, and the School of Theology and Ministry. The university is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission and has been recognised for its academic excellence in various rankings.

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