Click here to go to the article that has been passed around (what I've seen, at least).
In the article, it is stated that SAU has the "right to terminate or deny enrollment of those who influence upon our community should prove to be in our judgment intractable contrary to the best interests of our students..." That is in the handbook. Here is something else from the article that is also in the handbook: "The university has deeply held religious beliefs, based upon Biblical principles and the Book of Discipline, which do not allow for any sexuality, other than heterosexuality. The university also believes, based upon Biblical principles, that a person cannot change their birth gender."
Along with those handbook excepts from the article, these paragraphs are also in the handbook: "Spring Arbor University affirms the full humanity and dignity of every human being, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Among the sins that the Bible clearly condemns is sexual immorality and homosexual behaviors (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). All students, regardless of age, residency or status, are required to abstain from cohabitation, and involvement in premarital or extramarital sexual activity, or homosexual activity (including same-sex dating behaviors). This includes promotion, advocacy, and defense of the aforementioned activities.
We recognize that there are individuals who experience same-sex attraction, and or confusion about gender with our community. They are loved and valued and we condemn any malice directed toward them. Regardless of one's perspective or tradition, we encourage all of our community members to engage this issue with civility and respect."
There is also a section of the handbook about the Title IX policy: "It is the intent of Spring Arbor University in keeping with its equal opportunity policy, to comply with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, and related regulations. The University, in compliance with Title IX, does not discriminate on the basis of sex in treatment, admission or access to, or employment in its programs and activities, as limited by the University's religious exemptions."
Here's where my opinion comes in:
I understand why the article only stated the one side. Am I mad the article only posted the "bad" stuff? Not at all. That's how these things work: they only post certain things to get people all hot and bothered. While what they did post about SAU is true, they posted it in a way to make SAU look really bad.
There are so many good things about SAU. The people are the number one thing. Of course there are people who are not very nice and may make someone feel terrible about who they are, but 99% of the people I have met are absolutely wonderful. Just because the legal stuff has been posted everywhere (which is nothing new to the handbook), people think everyone who is associated with SAU is a judgmental hypocrite.
I, for one, am so proud of my university. I am proud I went there. I am proud I graduated from there. I am proud of who I am because of attending there. Am I proud of absolutely everything I know about them? Not necessarily, but I do understand where they're coming from with certain things. I think it's great when people are so passionate about their beliefs, but not so passionate they hurt other people.
I have never discriminated against someone at SAU, and I can't think of anyone who has. I have never had a friend tell me she or he had been discriminated against. I think the main reason people are angry, is because they're scared (I'm not saying everyone who is angry falls into this certain category). But I think they're scared that something will happen and SAU will be different when they return.
What I have never understood, is why people go to SAU when they don't believe what SAU believes. I understand scholarships or parents, but there are some people who are just there and they hate being there. It hurts my heart to know people are getting upset over something like this.
I just wish more people would try and look at things from the other side, and try to see where SAU is coming from. I loved my time there, and I think if people would just step back for a minute and think about their time there, they wouldn't be so angry.
If you aren't going to be mean and nasty, please let me know what you think! I would love to read your opinion!
XOXO
Jen
This blows my socks off. Thanks for bringing awareness to this. I think the most important point you make is that this is NOT a new addition to the hand book. SAU is a private institution that has never hid the fact they follow biblical principles. They do have the right to do this. But it's sad. The way the inside higher ed article is posed communicates so much hate. The Bible instructs us to love. I love the homosexuals in my life. Do I agree with what they do? No. They know that, but I still love them and have them in my life. So the question is: Does this policy show love to the homosexual community? SAU is a community working to nurture impressionable young adults who are most likely looking to strengthen their relationship with God, hence their decision to go to a Christian University. We have to respect that like any other private institution. However, in this decision are they showing this population love? no..? What option do they have? The fact is in this population they will loose students coming for the University's strong held beliefs if there is a population contradicting them.
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