2008 Woodie Awards
Student examines homosexuality on our campus
Ben Nielsen
Issue date: 4/20/07 Section: Forum
The policy involving sexual immorality is a "Class C" violation, which is defined as "unacceptable moral or ethical behavior; serious law violation(s); serious damage to property; or behavior that is harmful (or potentially harmful) to self, others, or the University," according to the SBU student handbook.
There are 21 things listed as "Class C" violations with the 21st being "moral impropriety, including sexual misconduct that is inconsistent with the 'Principles and Expectations' of the University as stated in the University catalog."
The "Principles and Expectations" then says this: "Scripture teaches that heterosexual union is the only acceptable expression of sexuality and must be reserved for marriage and insists on sexual abstinence for those who are unmarried. All members of the University family should abstain from unbiblical sexual practices and from behavior which may lead to a violation of God's standards on sexual activities."
"Is there a policy against homosexuality? No," said Rob Harris, Dean of Students at SBU.
"Is there a policy applicable to homosexual behavior? Absolutely. The policy applies to the same people having pre-marital sex, as well. Would the same type of sanctions or discipline measures be given to those committing heterosexual acts as well? Absolutely."
Some students on campus believe that acts such as these should not result in students being expelled.
"Why deny somebody an education," said senior Karen Marker. "A Christian education at that. Why kick them out based on their sexuality?"
"We should be the ones providing them a good environment," added senior Dria Locke.
So where do people like John fit into SBU? Given the obvious Christian connections of the University, should we allow professed homosexuals to continue to be students here without some kind of reprimand? Communications professor Dr. Brett Miller has his own take.
"I respect the University's right to establish whatever morality policies it wants," said Miller.
There are 21 things listed as "Class C" violations with the 21st being "moral impropriety, including sexual misconduct that is inconsistent with the 'Principles and Expectations' of the University as stated in the University catalog."
The "Principles and Expectations" then says this: "Scripture teaches that heterosexual union is the only acceptable expression of sexuality and must be reserved for marriage and insists on sexual abstinence for those who are unmarried. All members of the University family should abstain from unbiblical sexual practices and from behavior which may lead to a violation of God's standards on sexual activities."
"Is there a policy against homosexuality? No," said Rob Harris, Dean of Students at SBU.
"Is there a policy applicable to homosexual behavior? Absolutely. The policy applies to the same people having pre-marital sex, as well. Would the same type of sanctions or discipline measures be given to those committing heterosexual acts as well? Absolutely."
Some students on campus believe that acts such as these should not result in students being expelled.
"Why deny somebody an education," said senior Karen Marker. "A Christian education at that. Why kick them out based on their sexuality?"
"We should be the ones providing them a good environment," added senior Dria Locke.
So where do people like John fit into SBU? Given the obvious Christian connections of the University, should we allow professed homosexuals to continue to be students here without some kind of reprimand? Communications professor Dr. Brett Miller has his own take.
"I respect the University's right to establish whatever morality policies it wants," said Miller.
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