Freedom of Expression

SAU encourages the vigorous pursuit of truth, and therefore, supports the freedom of expressing personal opinions and perspectives. As a Christian university, we believe the Bible, as illuminated by the Holy Spirit, is true and reliable. We recognize that there are Christians inside and outside our community who have different interpretations of Scripture. SAU’s commitments may be in conflict with the practice or vision of the larger culture, as Christian beliefs have often been in other times and places. That said, community members are expected to be respectful when issues of disagreement emerge.

Students may express a dissenting opinion without fear of repercussions as long as discussions do not encourage others to violate SAU community standards.

Campus Demonstration Policy

As an academic institution, SAU supports the freedom of expressing personal opinions and perspectives in a civil and respectful manner both inside and outside the classroom. In order to protect students and SAU the following guidelines have been established:

• On-campus groups must apply and be granted permission to demonstrate on the SAU campus. A Campus Demonstration Application is available in the Office of Student Development and Success.
• The Campus Demonstration Application requires organizers to state the reason for the demonstration, campus organization sponsoring the demonstration, number of people involved, date, time, and location.
• No off-campus organization or demonstrators may participate in an approved demonstration unless first approved by the Office of Student Development and Success and included in original Campus Demonstration Application.
• All protests must abide by all tenets of the SAU Student Handbook.
• The Office of Student Development and Success may discontinue any demonstration not in compliance with the above guidelines or the SAU Student Handbook.