Community Expectations
Eastern University promotes multiculturalism and diversity that permeates the academic, social, and spiritual life of its students, faculty, administration, and staff. We expect those who choose to become members of this community to:
- Acknowledge that all human beings are made in the image and likeness of God by practicing the “Golden Rule” which states, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you...” (Matt. 7:12);
- Recognize that “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus," (Gal. 3:28);
- Treat all human beings with respect and dignity without regard to race, gender, age, national origin, or denominational differences;
- Seek opportunities to go beyond racial, cultural, and religious boundaries to share in the beauty that is found in diverse people from around the world;
Accept the challenge to live in harmony and unity in a campus environment that reflects the multi-racial, multi-cultural nature of the world.
Inclusive Language
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” - Galatians 3:28
Scripture teaches that male and female are equally loved by God, equally called by God into the service of Christ, and that both male and female are gifted by God’s spirit for such ministries (Acts 2:16-18). We have a particular responsibility to use language in ways that do not exclude, alienate or marginalize members of our community, or distort the significance of contributions made by all persons to our historical and present experience. Therefore, the university asks all members of its community, as well as other persons who are invited to address various forums at Eastern University functions:
- To use inclusive language when speaking about or addressing human beings in written and oral communication;
- To exercise sensitivity in the selection of classroom materials and examples;
- To use Scripture responsibly. Often, the original text does not demand that a masculine pronoun for human beings be used. A comparison of various translations may shed some light on this issue;
- To accept and appreciate diversity of biblical language and imagery when addressing God in prayer;
Summary: The gospel invites us to grow; it does not coerce us. In our relationship with each other, invitation to greater sensitivity ought to be the norm, rather than the demand for conformity. Eastern University is a community of cultural, racial, gender, age, and ecclesiastical diversity, committed to the equality of all persons as revealed in Jesus Christ.
