Statement Opposing the Proposed Equality Act

Cedarville University stands committed to Scripture, which teaches that all people are created in the image of God with inherent dignity and value. Everyone should be respected, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We recognize that some believe the proposed Equality Act will protect the rights of certain groups within American society, but we oppose this act believing that it will create more problems than it will solve.

The Equality Act would deem many of our religiously based policies and practices as illegal and would attempt to limit the free exercise of our religious convictions. Further, this act specifically restricts our ability to defend the University under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 and would jeopardize our participation in federally funded programs that directly benefit hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students. Finally, the Equality Act would infringe on the religious liberty of students and parents who choose Cedarville because of our biblical worldview.

The university system in America finds its roots in institutions just like Cedarville. We add to the diversity of the higher education community, serving students who wish to be educated from a biblical foundation. Cedarville benefits our community through training students with excellence so that more than 97% of our graduates each year are admitted to graduate school or employed within six months of graduation.

While the legislative process unfolds, we urge our campus community to be in prayer and to respectfully advocate in support of religious liberty.

No legislative action will ever change that Jesus died and rose again to provide salvation to all who repent of their sins and believe in Him. Trusting in our sovereign Lord, we carry this good news to the ends of the earth. Cedarville remains steadfast in our commitment to the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ.