Fearlessly True to Our Mission

We are undoubtedly experiencing a time of transition for higher education in the United States. As usual, a new presidential administration has brought shifts in policy and priorities. In this case, however, the direction and priorities of the Trump administration represent a rather dramatic shift for American higher education. But change is neither new for Houghton nor for higher education. While the Trump administration’s higher education priorities are leading to significant change in some parts of the sector, in truth, very little has or is likely to change for Houghton. We have and will continue to honor God, submit to the authority of Scripture and provide a transformative educational experience that equips students to lead and labor as faithful scholar-servants in a world that is desperate for truth, hope, and love.

A Rare Option in New York and the Northeast

Religious higher education institutions in New York and the northeast are rare. Christian institutions like Houghton that provide an academically challenging educational experience in a God-honoring manner, unapologetically grounded in the truth of the Word of God, are even rarer. We fill an important niche in the higher education ecosystem by providing an option for students and families who want a rigorous academic experience that aligns with their Christian faith. Tucked in the woods of New York’s Southern Tier, along the Genesee River, Houghton has provided such an option for students and families for more than 140 years. We understand that our ability to continue to operate in alignment with our faith and convictions is impacted by federal policy. The first Trump administration was supportive of religious liberty, including the religious liberty of Christian colleges and universities to operate in alignment with their faith-centered missions. We are hopeful that the current Trump administration will maintain that posture of support for religious institutions.

Monitoring Changes to Federal Policy

Houghton’s leadership continues to monitor the potential dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education and any associated staffing and program changes. We have kept a particularly close eye to any changes that might impact federal aid for Houghton students. Currently, we are not hearing of changes or challenges related to students’ applications and processing for federal financial assistance. We have heard of the possibility that responsibility for administering federal student aid might move from the U.S. Department of Education to another federal agency, potentially the Small Business Administration (SBA). As of my writing, however, no plans for that shift have been formally communicated. Houghton’s interest in this area, regardless of what federal agency has responsibility for administering aid, is that sufficient federal financial aid remains available to qualified students, particularly economically disadvantaged students, in amounts that are adequate for attending private institutions, and that such aid is administered through an efficient, student- and institution-friendly process.

The Trump administration has made clear through executive action their intent to limit participation in women’s athletics to female student athletes. That policy position is a shift for collegiate athletics. In recent years, federal policy had permitted and protected the participation of biological males in women’s athletics. Grounded in the truth of Scripture and for the safety of female student athletes, Houghton has always only permitted female students to participate in women’s athletics and occupy women’s single-sex spaces. As such, there has been no need for policy change at Houghton. However, the result of recent federal executive action has provided welcomed protection for Houghton’s female student athletes; ensuring that they will not be forced to compete against and share single-sex spaces with biological males.

Houghton’s Enduring Commitment

Much has been written in relation to the U.S. Department of Education’s recent Dear Colleague  letter, through which it sought to “clarify and reaffirm the nondiscrimination obligations of schools and other entities that receive federal financial assistance from the United States Department of Education.” We do not have concerns for Houghton’s policies or practice in relation to the letter. It is neither the policy nor practice of Houghton University to discriminate against any person, student or employee, based on their race, ethnicity, or national origin. Neither policy nor practice at Houghton provides racial preferences for students or employees in admissions, financial aid, hiring, promotion, compensation, training, or institutional programming. Neither does Houghton require or encourage segregation by race for students or employees with programming, training, coursework, workspace or living accommodations. Student spaces, clubs and programming are open to students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, including but not limited to clubs, initiatives and organizations centered on learning about and celebrating racial, ethnic and international diversity. Employee training and professional development experiences are based on job function and responsibilities and not differentiated based on employees’ racial or ethnic background.

Through executive action and the withholding of federal funds from universities, the Trump administration has signaled its insistence that higher education institutions protect the safety of their students in the wake of protests; in particular, that institutions ensure the protection of Jewish students amid pro-Hamas and anti-Israel demonstrations. Houghton has not experienced such campus demonstrations. Nevertheless, if such demonstrations would ever arise, Houghton is committed to protecting the rights and safety of all students and ensuring that the integrity of our Christian academic learning community is not compromised.

Without belittling or stigmatizing any group of people based on their racial, ethnic or national background, we will continue to celebrate the diverse people of our community, nation and the world. In alignment with Scriptures, we believe each person has been created by God, in His image, with intention and purpose. We believe every person is entitled to dignity and respect, with no person or group of people entitled to any more or any less respect than anyone else. We look forward with joyful anticipation of the scene John describes in Revelation, where “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language,” will stand before the throne of the Lamb of God, glorifying Him together with their voices (Revelation 7:9-10).

Moving Forward with Hope

This is an exciting season for Houghton. God is moving here in unmistakable ways. More and more outstanding students are choosing Houghton for their undergraduate and graduate preparation. Our students are responding to the call of God on their lives. They are loving and serving people through local churches, missions and service organizations. Our remarkable leaders, faculty and staff are gaining greater national and international prominence, as they continue to have a transformative impact on the lives and learning of our students. Students and families trust that we are who we say we are, and that even in a time characterized by vitriol, chaos and deception, Houghton will remain grounded in the unchanging truth of the Gospel and the hope that is found only in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.