Today, Right Wing Watch published several in-depth blogposts regarding Christian Conservative Liberty University's rulebook, called "The Liberty Way." This is the same college that got their campus Democratic Party club kicked out back in 2009 and is letting Mitt Romney (a Mormon, whose religion most of the LU students regard as a "cult") be the commencement address speaker tomorrow.
Highlights of Liberty University's Controlling and Fascist-like methods:
The university also has an all-encompassing code of conduct, called The Liberty Way, which governs what students can say, do, read, and watch both on and off campus and sets out a regimen of reprimands and fines for violators.
The First Amendment Doesn't Apply at Liberty
No R-Rated Movies, Un-Godly Music, or Immodest Posters at Liberty University
No Dancing or Kissing at Liberty University
Witchcraft and Abortion on Par with Sexual Assault and Felony Conviction at Liberty University
Liberty University's Guide to Female Modesty
The Religious Right Nanny State, on View at Liberty University
Welcome to Liberty University, Now Gives Us Your Blood and Urine Sample
The First Amendment Doesn't Apply at Liberty University
Liberty University is all about freedom-- the freedom to do, think and say exactly what Jerry Falwell would want you to do, think and say, and nothing else.
Here's the relevant section for the Liberty Way:
Demonstrations, Petitions and Picketing
Student participation in on-campus demonstrations, petitions or picketing is prohibited unless approved by Liberty University administration. The administration may also prohibit or restrict student participation in demonstrations, petitions or picketing at places other than on campus, where such participation would contradict or otherwise compromise the principles and policies of Liberty University.
Distribution of Literature
Distribution of literature is permitted on campus only when prior administrative approval has been secured from the Student Life Office or University Services. Distribution of literature in the residence halls requires written approval from the Residence Life Office.
Violations of these policies are punished accordingly:
12 Reprimands + $50.00 Fine
Participation in an unauthorized petition or demonstration
Liberty administrators also restrict what students are free to read. Last year the school banned students from accessing the local Lyncburg newspaper, the News & Advance, after it reported on the half-billion dollars that the school received in 2010 from the federal government, which runs counter to the school's anti-government ideology.
No R-Rated Movies, Un-Godly Music, Immodest Posters, or ANYTHING Non-"Conformist to [Republican] Jesus" at Liberty University
Liberty University administrators allow students to attend movie theaters, but they must exercise caution in such a morally hazardous environment. R-rated films are strictly off-limits, and many PG-13 and even some PG films may also be deemed inappropriate for viewing by Liberty students.
Does that "no R-rated films" rule apply to
The Passion Of The Christ, a film that would likely be highly popular at campuses like Liberty?
Entertainment
Liberty University encourages students to abstain from any form of entertainment that would compromise their testimony to the world and their relationship to God.
Movies
Liberty University has always attempted to maintain a conservative standard in its approach to the arts and entertainment. Current policy for movie viewing allows for attendance at theaters but prohibits viewing of movies rated "R", "NC-17" or "X". The penalty for viewing such movies is a reprimandable offense. It should be remembered that in no way is Liberty University endorsing the movie industry's rating system as appropriate or Christ-honoring. In addition, the Division of Student Affairs will continue teaching guidelines and principles to students related to all forms of entertainment. This would mean that many "PG-13" and some "PG" movies, although not prohibited by policy, may also be inappropriate.
Music
Philosophy, tastes and personal convictions concerning music vary greatly among our students. Liberty University endeavors to teach discernment in evaluating and selecting all music. It is Liberty's desire to maintain a music standard that is conducive to a healthy Christian atmosphere. Students should learn to choose music that honors the Savior and is in harmony with God's word. Music that is offensive (i.e., lewd lyrics, anti-Christian messages, etc.) to Liberty's Christian stand is not permitted.
That rules out most secular music, and even some CCM as well.
Posters and Pictures
All posters and pictures in the residence halls should coincide with the standards and policies of the University, i.e., all posters and pictures should conform to the University's music, movie, dress and conduct standards.
Students are warned that "Resident Directors and Resident Assistants will check rooms on a regular basis to give guidance, answer questions and ensure compliance." And if you live off campus, you shouldn't get any ideas.
No Dancing, Kissing, Prolonged Hugging, or even going to a Motel
Respect While Dating/Social Behavior
All students are asked to display mature Christian behavior in social interaction. Proper respect must be shown to all individuals at all times. Harassment of any type will not be tolerated. Handholding is the only appropriate form of personal contact. Improper personal contact or other forms of public display are considered in poor taste. After dusk, students should not be alone with an individual of the opposite sex in any unlighted area such as the ball fields, parking lots, parked cars, ravine or other wooded areas, etc. This is considered improper social behavior.
Restricted Areas on Campus
A student may not be alone with an individual of the opposite sex in the academic classrooms or offices. Students may not enter the residence halls of the opposite sex. After dusk, a student may not be alone with an individual of the opposite sex in any unlighted area, such as the ball fields, the ravine, parking lots, parked cars, etc.
The Liberty Way sets out a regimen of fines and reprimands for, among many other things, attending a dance, drinking, entering a residence hall for members of the opposite sex, and so on. Here are some highlights, including "Two or more individuals of the opposite sex together in motel room."
30 Reprimands + $500.00 Fine + 30 hours Disciplinary Community Service + possible Administrative Withdrawal. NOTE: For each accumulation of six (6) or more reprimands after 30, an additional $150 fine will be assessed.
Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages
Refusal to submit to an "Alco-Sensor" test and/or drug test
Spending the night with a person of the opposite sex
Two or more individuals of the opposite sex together in motel room
Witchcraft, Abortion, and Alcohol consumption are the same level of crime as Felony Conviction and Sexual Assault at Fawell U
The harshest punishment (30 reprimands, a $500 fine, 30 hours of disciplinary community service, and possible administrative withdrawal) is reserved for the really, really bad things. And by really, really "bad" things, I mean witchcraft, spending the night with a member of the opposite sex, drinking (even if you're 21+) or having an abortion. These things are considered on par with sexual assault and a felony conviction and bring a harsher punishment than sexual or racial harassment:
30 Reprimands + $500.00 Fine + 30 hours Disciplinary Community Service + possible Administrative Withdrawal. NOTE: For each accumulation of six (6) or more reprimands after 30, an additional $150 fine will be assessed.
Abortion
Assault/sexual assault (minimum two (2) semesters out)
Commission/conviction of any felony
Failure of three (3) Christian/Community Services without reconciliation
Illegal drugs-association/possession, use/distribution (minimum two semesters out)
Involvement with witchcraft, séances, or other satanic or demonic activity
Life-threatening behavior or language to others or oneself (immediate removal/exclusion from campus and a minimum of two semesters out)
Non-participation/disruption/non-compliance (possible removal/exclusion from campus)
Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages
Spending the night with a person of the opposite sex
Stealing or possession of stolen property (plus financial restitution; minimum two semesters out)
Two or more individuals of the opposite sex together in motel room
Unauthorized possession/use of weapons
Female Dress at Liberty University, and Their Ridiculously Draconian "Modesty" Standards
The women's dress code includes, among others, the following restrictions and stipulations:
"Hair and clothing styles related to counterculture (as determined by the Deans' Review Committee) are not acceptable."
"Swimwear is only appropriate at the swimming pool. Students are to wear appropriate casual or sport attire (as stated in The Liberty Way) going to and from the pool. Women are required to wear a one-piece suit that is in good taste. Swimsuits that are see-through/mesh, expose the midriff and/or are low in the front or back or cut high on the legs are not acceptable."
"Dresses and skirts should be no shorter than the top of the knee (sitting or standing). Skirt slits should be modest; open slits should be no higher than the top of the knee, closed slits should be no higher than two inches from the top of the knee. Shoulder straps should be no less than two inches wide. Anything tight, scant, backless, see-through, low in the neckline or revealing the midriff (in any position) is immodest and unacceptable."
"Body piercing is not permitted. Earrings and plugs are permitted in ears only."
"Students are expected to dress modestly for the Junior/Senior Banquet & the Minority Student Achievement Awards Banquet, as well as all formal events. Anything tight, scant, backless, see-through, low in the neckline or revealing the midriff is immodest and unacceptable. Slits should be no higher than the top of the knee. Strapless or spaghetti straps are acceptable for this event as long as the above standard is followed"
Class Dress: "Dresses, skirts, dress pants, shirts and/or sweaters (no jeans of any color, no overalls, no Capri/cropped pants, no shorts, no sweatshirts, no writing or graphics on shirts except for discreet embroidered logos), dress, casual or tennis shoes (no flip-flops of any style)"
Tattoos are likely out of the question as well.
Religious Right/Singapore-style Nanny State at Liberty U on Work and Off-campus rights
Students desiring to leave earlier than the scheduled breaks must obtain written permission.
Out of the Residence Hall Overnight
Any time a resident student plans to be out of the residence hall overnight, it is imperative that he/she sign out on the overnight sign-out sheet.
Room Checks
Residence hall rooms are to be kept neat and clean at all times. The following will be checked on a regular basis:
Bed must be made
Carpet must be vacuumed
Trash must be emptied
Sink and mirror must be clean
Dresser tops and other stands dusted and in order
All personal belongings organized and in place
Students living off campus are not only expected to follow the same rigid guidelines, but they could also be subject to spot checks from Liberty personnel.
The Liberty Way is always in effect. You can't get away from it-- not even on summer break:
Liberty University regulations and policies are in effect at all times, including semester breaks and summer.
Vacation/Breaks
All students are expected to uphold the standards set by the University whether on or off campus. This includes weekends, all fall, spring, summer, and Christmas breaks. Any behavior considered a dismissal offense, as stated in The Liberty Way handbook, which occurs during these times, may jeopardize a person's status as a student.
Liberty also wants to be involved in your personal life and work life.
Married students are not permitted to live in the residence halls.
In maintaining a reputation in the marketplace consistent with the philosophy of Liberty University, employment will not be permitted where a student (as a major, active part of his/her job) is required to violate the policies and principles of the University.
Mandatory Drug Testing a way of life at Liberty U
Tests are a big part of college life. That much is true. But at Liberty University, all students since 1988 have been subject to "mandatory random drug testing."
Attendance at Liberty is a "privilege," as the administration likes to say, and all students must consent to "the clinically supervised furnishing of urine or blood samples at a time and place determined by the University for the purpose of laboratory analysis." Students are also required to waive all claims, legal or otherwise, arising from the drug testing program.
Liberty reserves the right to test any student using any means for any reason and punish students as it sees fit. To be sure, drug abuse is a problem on American campuses, but leave it to Liberty to impose a draconian and incredibly intrusive drug policy that hands administrators the power to arbitrarily test students.
Now you have the knowledge about how Jerry Falwell Jr.'s university is ran. I would strongly recommend STAYING AWAY from such colleges like Liberty, Moody, BJU, and PCC if you're considering a college.