FAQs on Equality Ride

What is Equality Ride?

An initiative of Soulforce, Equality Ride is a youth movement that seeks, in their words, “freedom from religious and political oppression for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance.” Their primary function is to challenge university campuses that prohibit homosexual practice in their communities. They endeavor to do this through campus dialogue and, occasionally, through acts of civil disobedience. Equality Ride characterizes itself as an interfaith group, with some members identifying with the Christian faith.

Why a visit to Northwest University?

In the spring of 2007, Equality Ride will conduct a national bus tour, visiting 32 universities across the country. The primary reason this group selected Northwest University is our community lifestyle standard, which prohibits homosexual practice (along with other sexual behaviors outside of marriage between a man and a woman). While Northwest University did not invite Equality Ride to our campus, and while we disagree with Equality Ride’s position regarding homosexuality (and will not change our position on this issue as a result of their visit), our intention is to welcome them and show them Christian hospitality as people of significance in God’s sight.

How is Northwest University planning to respond to the visit?

While Northwest did not seek this visit, we have chosen to host the Equality Riders in a caring and Christian manner. Northwest has been communicating with the Equality Riders to determine a schedule for the day. This schedule will include class visits at the invitation of faculty members, a luncheon with campus leaders, and a faculty/student forum discussing issues related to the Equality Ride visit.

What is Northwest University’s stance on homosexuality?

We believe the Bible teaches that sexual intimacy is reserved for heterosexual, monogamous marriage. This position is expressed in the Student Community Handbook.

Does Northwest University discriminate against homosexuals when admitting students?

Northwest University does not discriminate based on sexual orientation. We make our community standards clear to prospective students, and it is their choice to identify with those standards. In regard to sexual behavior, we expect that all students will reserve intimacy for heterosexual marriage. We then expect those standards to be upheld as long as an individual is part of the Northwest Community.

Does Northwest have any openly gay students?

While we cannot presume to know the private choices, struggles, and behavior of all individuals in our campus community, we are aware of students who have struggled with gender identity and have agreed to live by our Community Life Standards and remain celibate. We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and loving environment for all individuals.

What happens to a student who “comes out” while at Northwest?

If a student acknowledges his or her homosexual tendency while at Northwest, he or she will not be asked to leave as long as he or she agrees to engage in ongoing dialogue with our campus ministries staff and live by our Community Life Standards. The Student Community Handbook covers a wide variety of lifestyle commitments, not just the issue of homosexuality.

Are your faculty allowed to teach all sides of this issue?

Northwest fosters openness to discuss all sides of any topic. In this way, Northwest uniquely prepares students to be Christ-followers in the real world. However, we select faculty and staff whose personal beliefs are that sexual relationships are reserved for heterosexual marriage.