In order to provide a structure that allows for social order and cohesiveness while protecting individual rights, in addition to Scriptural and legal standards, JBU has adopted the following specific community standards.

A. Language: Using profanity, obscenity, and vulgarity is not permitted.

B. Pornography: The purchase or possession of computer-generated or hard copy literature, pictures, images, posters, or recordings presenting an indecent or immoral philosophy inconsistent with the values of a Christian community as indicated in Scripture is prohibited.

C. Sexual Expression: God has created us for relationships, and so we encourage students to build strong and lasting friendships that honor his intentions for us. In all relationships, community members are expected to steward their sexual expression with discretion, modesty, and respect for God and others and in keeping with Biblical standards. John Brown University seeks to foster an environment of sexual purity and wholeness based on a Biblical standard of fidelity in marriage between a man and a woman and chastity in singleness. Therefore, sexual intimacy is reserved for a man and a woman in a marriage. Similarly, because romantic relationships are often a precursor to marriage, same-sex-romantic relationships are prohibited while enrolled at JBU. 

In addition, students should seek to live with integrity and congruence between one’s birth sex and one’s gender identity in keeping with God’s wisdom and benevolent design in creating human beings as male and female. JBU recognizes that a student could find it difficult to live out this ideal, and such a student should contact the Vice President for Student Development or the Dean of Students to discuss whether and how JBU might be able to accommodate, if possible, their concerns. 

D. Harassment: The university is committed to the preservation of human dignity and the protection of students and is particularly concerned about the possibility of harassment, whether sexual, racial, ethnic or any other type. Harassment in any form - verbal, physical, or visual - is strictly against university policy and will result in immediate disciplinary action. Defining sexual or other harassment is difficult but includes slurs, threats, derogatory comments, unwelcome jokes, teasing or sexual advances, and other similar verbal or physical conduct. If you believe you have been the recipient of harassment by any community member, you are encouraged to report the alleged occurrence to a member of the Student Development staff, faculty, or administration. Be assured that there will be no retaliation toward anyone choosing to report an alleged occurrence of harassment (Refer to Title IX, Sexual Assault, Dating/Domestic Violence, Stalking and Harassment Policy).

E. Tobacco and Alcoholic Beverages: Tobacco and/or other smoking products (i.e., e-cigarettes and Hookah) and alcoholic beverages of any kind (including non-alcoholic beer and alcohol powder) are not to be used or possessed either on- or off­-campus or at any time while enrolled at JBU. A policy exemption application is available for qualified students who are 26 years of age or older. Please contact the Office of Student Development to complete the exemption request.

F. Gambling: It is against Arkansas State law to gamble (Arkansas Code 5-66-101 to 5-66-119;6-2-113). Gambling has a broad definition, but generally, it can be defined as any game of chance which involves betting of any item of any monetary value in hopes of a greater return. The University strongly advises against visiting any venue where gambling takes place.

G. Theft of Copyrighted Material: Theft of copyrighted material is not permitted. The Internet has increased the theft of copyrighted material, and if any student has questions about whether something is copyrighted, please contact the Dean of Students.