On Oct. 27th, Biola University announced an update to its Sexuality, Gender, and Relationships Policy. Faculty members were notified of the updates via email. Corey’s press release emphasized that the policy changes were meant to clarify Biola’s pre-existing policies, believing that “the wording may not have adequately reflected Biola’s unwavering commitment to our longstanding biblical orthodoxy on these topics.” Corey continued to emphasize the goal of removing ambiguity and retaining Biola’s long-held biblical positions. 

Mark Muha, the Vice President for Student Development, explained, “A couple of Christian podcasters, authors and influencers recently drew our attention to areas where the language in the past version of Biola’s Student Handbook about sexuality was not as clear as it could be.”

He emphasized the importance of continuously reviewing handbooks and that Biola was “simply ensuring that our policies articulate them with greater clarity.” 

The clarifications included revisions to policies on gender transition and student care related to sexuality/gender. Notably, the term “LGBTQ” is absent from the updated policy. For archival purposes, readers can access the former policy at the Wayback Machine, an initiative of the Internet Archive. 

While relevant to Biola’s campus at large, these changes will especially affect students who attend The Dwelling, a Biola-sanctioned group that offers community and support for LGBTQ+ and same-sex attracted (SSA) students as they walk with Jesus at Biola. Muha spoke on the future of The Dwelling in relation to the policy update.

“President Corey has asked me and other Biola leaders to give deeper thought to how we will continue to care for our beloved students here at Biola with regard to same-sex attraction,” he said. “In the days ahead we will spend time listening, reflecting and working on a plan forward. We will keep the community informed as the plan develops.”