Janice Lozano
Liberty University is a conservative Evangelical college in Virginia, USA. The university has faced criticism for its policies and practices, including its stance on LGBTQ+ rights and its handling of sexual assault and domestic violence cases. In 2021, a group of anonymous women sued the university, alleging that its culture and code of conduct emphasizing sexual purity put them at risk of sexual violence. The same year, a former student filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Education, claiming that the university's discriminatory practices against LGBTQ+ students made it ineligible for federal funding. While the university has a high withdrawal rate, it is also one of the largest universities in the US, with a significant number of online students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student Population | 120,000 |
| Graduation Rate | 30% |
| Acceptance Rate | High |
| Endowment | $1.71 billion (as of 2023) |
| National Ranking | 43rd-largest college/university in the U.S. (as of 2023) |
| Student Satisfaction | Mixed |
| Student Events | Concerts, dance nights, sports events, etc. |
| Student Behavior | No sororities or alcohol |
| Student Demographics | Christian |
| Student Views | Conservative |
| Student Concerns | Academic rigor, time management, late submissions |
| Alumni Concerns | Values and leadership |
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What You'll Learn
Liberty University's low graduation rate
Liberty University is a conservative evangelical college in Virginia. It is the largest private non-profit university in the United States, enrolling the most students of any U.S. university in 2018. However, despite its popularity, Liberty University has a low graduation rate.
Several factors could contribute to the low graduation rate at Liberty University. One possible reason is the rigorous academic demands of the university's programs. The university's high withdrawal rate suggests that students may find the coursework challenging, leading to a higher likelihood of dropping out before completing their degrees. Additionally, the university may have a significant number of part-time or non-traditional students who take longer to graduate or may pause their education due to personal reasons.
Another factor influencing the low graduation rate could be the university's unique demographics and student population. As a conservative evangelical college, Liberty University attracts students with strong Christian values and a preference for a religious atmosphere. However, some students may struggle to adapt to the university's strict honor code, known as "The Liberty Way," which emphasizes purity culture and includes prohibitions against "LGBT states of mind" and same-sex relationships. The university has been criticized for its unwelcoming attitude towards LGBT students, and some students may choose to leave due to a perceived lack of inclusivity or support for their identities.
Furthermore, Liberty University has faced multiple lawsuits alleging that its culture fosters sexual violence and fails to adequately address reports of sexual assault and domestic violence. Such concerns about student safety and the university's handling of these issues could also contribute to students' decisions to leave or transfer to another institution.
The level of academic support and resources provided by Liberty University may also play a role in its graduation rate. If students feel that they are not adequately supported or challenged in their academic environment, they may be more likely to leave before completing their degrees. Additionally, the university's retention strategies, such as mentoring programs or proactive academic advising, could impact their ability to retain students and support them through graduation.
While Liberty University's low graduation rate may be concerning, it is important for prospective students to consider their own personal needs, goals, and preferences when evaluating this metric. Reaching out to the admissions office or current students can provide valuable insights into the factors contributing to the low graduation rate and how the university can support individuals throughout their academic journey.
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Student criticism of the university's unwelcoming attitude towards LGBTQ+ students
Liberty University has long been criticized for its unwelcoming attitude towards LGBTQ+ students. The school was founded in 1971 by Southern Baptist televangelist Jerry Falwell, who was known for his attacks on the gay community. Falwell once labeled AIDS as "divine punishment" for gay people and warned his followers to take action to prevent LGBTQ people from gaining their rights.
The university's honor code, The Liberty Way, reflects this discriminatory attitude. The 22-page document states that "sexual relations outside of a biblically-ordained marriage between a natural-born man and a natural-born woman are not permissible." Students who violate this code face disciplinary action, including possible expulsion. In addition, LGBTQ+ students at Liberty University have reported feeling isolated and unsupported by the administration, with some even experiencing conversion therapy and sexual and physical abuse.
In recent years, there have been some signs of progress, with a small but vibrant LGBTQ+ community forming at the university. However, the administration's posture toward LGBTQ+ relationships and identities has not kept pace with the shifting views of the student body. In 2021, the university quietly updated The Liberty Way to include a ban on "statements and behaviors associated with LGBT states of mind," further restricting the rights of LGBTQ+ students on campus.
Students have pushed back against the university's unwelcoming attitude, organizing protests and demonstrations in support of LGBTQ+ rights. In 2019, a group of students held a peaceful demonstration on campus, and in 2022, a former student filed a lawsuit against the university citing discrimination and abuse endured by LGBTQ+ students. Despite these efforts, Liberty University's policies and practices continue to create an unwelcoming environment for LGBTQ+ students, with many feeling they must remain in the shadows to graduate.
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Sexual assault and harassment on campus
Liberty University, a Christian conservative college, has been under scrutiny for several years due to allegations of sexual assault and harassment on campus. The university has faced a barrage of lawsuits and complaints from students and alumni regarding its mishandling of sexual assault claims, failure to investigate reports adequately, and discrimination against victims.
In 2021, a student named Diane Stargel sought counselling after being raped by another student at an off-campus party. Instead of receiving support, Stargel was presented with a "victim notice" warning her that she could be found in violation of the university's honour code, known as the "Liberty Way," if she chose to pursue her case. Terrified of losing her scholarship, she signed the paper and did not formally report the assault. This incident reflects a pattern of behaviour by the university, where victims are discouraged from reporting and punished for alleged violations of the honour code, such as drinking and engaging in premarital sex.
In July 2022, 12 women filed a lawsuit against the university, stating that they were discouraged from reporting incidents of sexual assault and that the university created an unsafe environment. The university settled this case with the plaintiffs in the same year. However, the issues persisted, and in November 2022 and April 2023, subsequent lawsuits were filed by female plaintiffs with similar complaints, alleging that the university failed to investigate their claims properly and instead focused on their behaviour and violations of the "Liberty Way."
The Department of Education Office for Civil Rights also launched an investigation into Liberty University's policies and practices after complaints of discrimination were made by a former student. The university's treatment of sexual assault survivors and failure to report campus crimes resulted in a $14 million fine, the largest for a campus safety violation.
In response to the growing number of allegations and lawsuits, Liberty University has faced increasing pressure to implement changes. While the university has acknowledged past failures and promised independent reviews of its Title IX policies and processes, critics remain sceptical of the university's commitment to change. Student-led movements, such as "Justice for Janes," are advocating for systemic reforms to protect students from sexual violence and harassment and ensure proper accountability.
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The university's honour code, called the Liberty Way
Liberty University is a conservative Evangelical college, and its honour code, known as the "Liberty Way", reflects this. The Liberty Way is described as more than just a set of rules; it contains values and expectations that reflect the university's mission to develop Christ-centered individuals with the knowledge, skills, and values to make a difference in the world. The values of integrity, respect, and responsibility support the biblical foundations of Liberty University's commitment to "Train Champions for Christ!". All students are expected to read, understand, and abide by the expectations outlined in The Liberty Way.
The Liberty Way emphasises purity culture and enforces strict rules regarding sexual relations and LGBTQ+ identities. Sexual relations are only permitted within a heterosexual marriage, as outlined in the Bible. Same-sex relationships are prohibited, including kissing, holding hands, or dating. As a result, LGBTQ+ students often feel unwelcome and hide their dating behaviour to avoid punishment or fines. The university has been criticised for its discriminatory practices and offering conversion "therapy" to gay students, a practice deemed ineffective and harmful by peer-reviewed studies.
The university's conservative values extend beyond sexuality and gender. For example, Liberty University teaches creationism alongside evolutionary biology. The university has also been accused of concealing campus crime and safety statistics, particularly regarding domestic violence and sexual assault. In 2021, a group of anonymous women sued the school, alleging that it failed to address these issues and blaming female students who came forward with claims of sexual assault.
Despite the strict honour code, some students defend the university, arguing that it provides a safe, clean, and moralistic environment conducive to academic, moral, and spiritual success. They emphasise that Liberty University is open to hearing different viewpoints and does not judge those with differing beliefs. However, critics argue that the university's rules are too restrictive and reflect negatively on the school.
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Jerry Falwell Jr.'s ouster
Liberty University is a conservative Evangelical college in Lynchburg, Virginia. It is ranked as the 7th-largest four-year university and the largest university in Virginia. The university has been criticised for its unwelcoming attitude towards LGBTQ+ students, its teaching of creationism alongside evolutionary biology, and its culture of fostering sexual violence.
Jerry Falwell Jr. was the president of Liberty University until his resignation in August 2020. Falwell Jr. is the eldest son of televangelist and conservative activist Jerry Falwell Sr., who founded the university in 1971. Falwell Jr. served in the administrative ranks under his father and then spent 13 years as president. During his tenure, the university came under scrutiny for its alleged authoritarian control over employees and students, nepotism, and the increasing influence of his wife, Becki Falwell, in school affairs.
Falwell Jr.'s resignation came amid a sex scandal involving allegations of a years-long extramarital affair with his wife, Becki. In August 2020, Reuters reported that Becki Falwell had an "improper relationship" several years earlier with a younger man, who later threatened to reveal the affair unless they were paid. The man was identified as the pool attendant with whom Falwell Jr. had invested in a hostel. The man claimed that he had frequent sexual encounters with Becki Falwell, sometimes while Falwell Jr. looked on or watched remotely via camera.
Following his resignation, Falwell Jr. sued Liberty University for trademark infringement, claiming that the university was using his father's name, image, and likeness without permission. In April 2021, Liberty University countersued Falwell Jr. for $40 million in damages for breach of contract and violation of fiduciary duty. Falwell Jr. has also sued the university for $8.5 million in retirement funds, claiming that he met all the requirements to receive payment.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes. Liberty University has been criticised for its unwelcoming attitude towards LGBTQ+ students. The university offers conversion "therapy" to gay students and has been listed by Campus Pride as one of the worst universities for LGBTQ+ students. In 2015, the university denied discounted tuition to same-sex and trans spouses of military personnel that it offered to heterosexual couples.
Yes. In 2021, a dozen anonymous women sued the school, charging that it failed to curb domestic violence and sexual assault on campus. A ProPublica investigation found that the university's emphasis on "sexual purity" led to school officials discouraging, dismissing and even blaming female students who have tried to come forward with claims of sexual assault.
The graduation rate is 30%.
The Liberty Way is Liberty University's honor code, which emphasises purity culture. The code prohibits "LGBT states of mind" and forbids sexual relations outside of "Biblically ordained marriage between a man and a woman".
