Issues of morality at Asbury University are seen as those which can be delineated as right, virtuous and just and are based on Biblical mandates. Discernment in these moral issues is important in our development as individual believers, and violations in this category often result in greater disciplinary consequences. However, we are a community committed to growth and life transformation. Students who come forward to seek help or forgiveness prior to administrative knowledge of the violation will have opportunity to be supported with accountability and mentorship instead of disciplinary consequences. This conditional immunity is also offered to students who seek medical or emergency help for themselves or others related to a policy violation (e.g., drinking alcoholic beverages).
- Christ-Like Attributes Encouraged: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are Christ-like attributes that can be demonstrated through the power of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23 declares these as demonstrations of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, and we should encourage one another to practice these in our relationships.)
- Sinful Attitudes Discouraged: Hatred, discord, jealousy, uncontrolled anger, greed, quarreling and envy are addressed in Galatians 5:19-21, hinder our relationship with God and others and are not acceptable Asbury community attitudes.
- Idolatry and Occult Practices: Also condemned in Galatians 5 and should not be practiced.
- Human Sexuality: The University affirms the Biblical view of human sexuality as being expressed fully in the context of a marriage between a man and a woman. View the University’s entire statement on human sexuality.
- Sexual Immorality (including adultery, same-sex behavior and premarital sexual intimacy): These behaviors are expressly prohibited in Scripture. Offenses in this area are almost certain to result in separation from the University for a period of time.
- Pregnancy: Because of the high value of the sanctity of life, students who become pregnant outside of marriage will receive care and support that is in the best interest of the child, mother and the community.
- Abortion: Abortion violates Biblical principles regarding the sanctity of life and should never be encouraged or condoned. Getting an elective abortion to terminate an unwanted pregnancy will lead to almost certain separation from the University for a period of time.
- Pornography: The use of pornography in any form is inconsistent with Biblical principles and demeaning and damaging to individuals; therefore, it is prohibited.
- Communication: Lying, dishonesty, gossip, slander, profanity and vulgarity (including crude language) are expressly prohibited in Scripture. Such communication, whether in person or electronic, is not helpful for building others up and should be avoided.
- Theft (including plagiarism): Expressly prohibited in Scripture and not acceptable behavior.
- Gambling: Scripture is clear in principles regarding the use of money, and gambling activities are inconsistent with those principles.
- Alcohol: Drunkenness is explicitly addressed in Scripture as immoral and is almost certain to result in separation from the University for a period of time. In addition, the use of any alcohol can be damaging to the individual and community (see also Honor section) and is therefore prohibited.
- Local, State, Federal Laws / Submission to Authority: Romans 13:1 is clear that we should subject ourselves to the authority of the government. Asbury University community members are expected to uphold all local, state and federal laws. Arrest on or off campus is subject to review within the University’s disciplinary procedures.
- Civil Disobedience: On rare occasions civil laws might require behavior that is contrary to God’s law as found in Scripture. In such cases, each individual would submit voluntarily to the civil penalty for his or her behavior, and said behavior would be reviewed within the University’s disciplinary procedures.
- Verbal Abuse, Hazing, Physical Abuse, and Bias Incidents: As an institution committed to orthodox Christian teaching, we believe that all humans are made in God’s image and, therefore, are of infinite value and equal dignity. Therefore, we respect the worth and dignity of each individual and are sensitive to the unique needs of each individual and or group identity. Verbal and physical abuse, including hazing in any form, is not acceptable. Personal and group identity bias incidents, which may include demeaning language, slurs, name-calling, offensive terminology, cultural appropriation, or subtle insults, are not part of this community or the life of a Christian. In addition, discrimination against others based on race, national origin, sex, religious beliefs, or disability is not acceptable. View the University’s bias incident report process, and the online report form.
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