COMMITMENT TO PURITY Cedarville University is committed to an approach to sexuality and moral purity that reflects biblical values according to the following affirmations: We believe that God’s design at Creation for sexual desire and orientation is within the bounds of a marriage union between a man and a woman (Gen. 1:26–28; Gen. 2:22–25; Rom. 1:26–27). We believe that premarital sex, extramarital sex, bisexual acts, same-sex marriage, and homosexual acts violate clear biblical teaching on sexual purity (Rom. 1:26–27; 1 Cor. 6:18–20; Gal. 5:19–21; Eph. 5:3; Col. 3:5–6). We believe gender identity and roles are aspects of God’s creative design (Gen. 1:26–28; 1 Cor. 11:7–9; 1 Tim. 2:12–14). Sexual intercourse and many of the intimate acts leading up to it are reserved exclusively for the context of a biblically defined marriage (Gen. 2:21–23; Matt. 19:4–6). Sexual activities outside of this context, including sexual intercourse, oral sex, and other intimate forms of touching, are prohibited. Behavior that is inconsistent with these standards is prohibited even when consensual. Consistent with our desire to teach and model a biblical approach to sex, the University prohibits same-sex dating behaviors, same-sex marriage, and public advocacy for the position that sex outside of a biblically defined marriage is morally acceptable. We seek to help students who face all types of sexual temptation, encouraging single students to live chaste, celibate lives and married students to be faithful to their marriage and to their spouse. Consistent with our commitment to God’s design for gender identity, the public advocacy for or act of altering one’s birth-gender identity through medical transition or transgender expression is prohibited. This commitment to gender identity also applies to — but is not limited to — the use of bathrooms, locker rooms, student housing, and participating in gender-specific University groups, clubs, and organizations. Cedarville provides the following specific guidelines intended to help single students with their commitment to moral purity: Students in romantic relationships should avoid spending extended time in a private place or location where there is not a healthy level of accountability, such as off-campus apartments or bedrooms. Students are not to share the same bed. Students are not permitted to spend the night in an off-campus apartment, hotel room, bedroom, etc., with the opposite sex, regardless of the number of students involved. Cedarville provides the following specific guidelines intended to help married students with their commitment to moral purity: Married students are not permitted to engage in sexual activity with anyone other than their spouse. Married students are encouraged to celebrate God’s design of sexual intimacy by pursuing emotional and physical intimacy with their spouse. Married students are encouraged to maintain appropriate boundaries and invite accountability for protection against temptations to emotional or physical adultery. Cedarville provides the following specific guidelines intended to help all students with their commitment to moral purity: Students are prohibited from accessing pornographic or obscene websites or creating links to such sites. Students are prohibited from posting sexually provocative material online. Cedarville seeks to provide biblically faithful counsel, support, and equipping for holiness on matters of purity and sexual brokenness. Resources for students include Student Development staff, faculty, and the confidential setting of Counseling Services. Violations of these guidelines may result in dismissal. RESPECT FOR OTHERS One of the measures of spiritual maturity is how we treat fellow believers and our neighbors. Our relationships are to reflect the biblical principle that all people are made in God’s image and should be treated with kindness, dignity, and respect. Violations of respect can occur in online dialogue just as in face-to-face communication. Cedarville University prohibits all acts of disrespect outlined in this statement, regardless of the mode of communication. The following types of behavior violate the spirit of this community and will not be allowed: 12
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