Sexual Behavior Policy
Wheaton College believes that sexual intimacy was created by God to be an expression of love between a woman and a man in the context of a life-long marriage commitment.
Sexual attraction is also viewed by the College as created by God and represents ongoing discipleship opportunities given the relationship between sexual attraction and sexual behavior. In the section Affirming Biblical Standards in the Community Covenant, the basic biblical standards outlined there provide helpful perspectives and guidance related to discipling sexual attraction toward Godly Christian character and behavior through the call to:
- Acknowledge the Lordship of Christ over all of life and thought;
- Wholehearted obedience to Jesus and careful stewardship in all dimensions of life;
- Love God with our whole being, including our minds, and loving our neighbors as ourselves ;
- Pursue holiness in every aspect of our thought and behavior;
- Exercise responsible Christian freedom—not doing whatever we please, but imitating the sacrifice of Christ as we honor God and serve others;
- Treat our own bodies, and those of others, with the honor due the very temple of the Holy Spirit; and
- Participate in the worship and ministry of the local church.
Therefore, all students, regardless of age, residency, or status, are expected to abstain from unmarried cohabitation with the opposite sex, premarital sexual intimacy (specifically, the stimulation of the breasts or genitals), any and all extramarital sexual behavior, as well as any and all same-sex sexual behavior (including same-sex dating relationships, civil unions, or marriages).
Sexual behavior can include physical expressions of, written descriptions about, and/or visual images suggesting sexual intimacy. Viewing pornography as well as sending nude or sexual images via any digital platform are considered violations of this policy.
The College will respond to allegations of prohibited sexual behavior as described in this policy, wherever it is observed or reported (including on social media). Alleged violations of the Sexual Behavior Policy will be addressed through the Student Conduct Policy with grace-filled correction and spiritual accountability.
Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment including sexual assault, dating or domestic violence and stalking do not fall within the purview of the Sexual Behavior Policy, but allegations may be reported to the Director of Equity & Title IX Coordinator.