2022-2023 Student Handbook 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Student Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Lifestyle/Sexuality Policy


College of the Ozarks is guided by a long-standing traditional, biblical worldview which reflects the understanding that human sexuality is a gift from God, and that: sex assigned at birth is a person’s God-given, objective gender, whether or not it differs from their internal sense of “gender identity” (Genesis 1:27; Leviticus 18:22; Matthew 19:4; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10); sexual relations are for the purpose of the procreation of human life and the uniting and strengthening of the marital bond in self-giving love, purposes that are to be achieved solely through heterosexual relationships in marriage (Genesis 1:28; 2:24; Exodus 20:14; Proverbs 5:15-23; Matthew 19:5; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, 7:2-5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3).

Misuses of God’s gift of human sexuality will be understood to include, but not be limited to gender expression inconsistent with sex assigned at birth (transgender), gender transition, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, sexual assault, heterosexual misconduct, homosexual conduct, or possession of pornographic materials. In addition, the College considers indiscreet public display of affection as inappropriate behavior.

Employees and students at College of the Ozarks are expected to conduct themselves at all times in accordance with the highest standards of Christian morality. It is particularly important to the College that high standards of sexual morality be observed among its employees and students.

Toward this end, the College may subject to disciplinary action any employee or student who engages in or encourages:

  1. Gender expression inconsistent with sex assigned at birth;
  2. Gender transition;
  3. Sexual relations with a person other than his/her spouse;
  4. Sexual relations with a person of the same sex;
  5. Touching, caressing, and other physical conduct of a sexual nature with a person of the same sex;
  6. Touching, caressing, and other physical conduct of a sexual nature with a person of the opposite sex that is inappropriate to the time and place in which it occurs.

Disciplinary action may include disciplinary dismissal.