Shorter students protest lifestyle statement

ROME, Ga.,None — Students at a Rome university protested a controversial new requirement for teachers Thursday.

Shorter College's board of trustees recently issued a mandate requiring employees to sign a personal lifestyle statement saying in part, "I reject as acceptable all sexual activity not in agreement with the Bible, including, but not limited to premarital sex, adultery, and homosexuality."

The university president defended the decision, saying it falls in line with what the school promotes as a private Christian college.

"That is the biblical view. This is our view and anything outside that is not biblical, we do not accept," Don Dowless said.

Opponents held a protest outside the school Thursday morning.

“I’m here because this is a liberal arts college and not a seminary,” one protester said.

Other protesters echoed the same sentiments, saying the policy is invasive and discriminatory.

Meanwhile, a bomb threat was called in to the school around 9:19 a.m., canceling day classes. It is unclear if the two incidents are related.

A larger group of protesters is expected Friday prior to Dowless’ inauguration. The ceremony is scheduled for 11:30 a.m.

WSBTV