WWU Haven: Our Framework

Mission

Walla Walla University, as a Seventh-day Adventist institution, is a community of faith and discovery committed to excellence in thought, generosity in service, beauty in expression, and faith in God. “Central to these teachings is the belief that every person is created in the image of God as a being of inestimable value and worth, imbued with powers of intelligence, stewardship, and creativity akin to those of the Creator.“1 Recognizing that all students need love and understanding to thrive as both children of God and young academics, the university dedicates itself to following the example of Jesus, who crossed barriers, challenged prejudices, and embraced the marginalized groups of the day.

Walla Walla University aims to engage with biblical faithfulness and Christ-like compassion to students who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Walla Walla University recognizes the exclusion of LGBTQ+ students has a detrimental effect on their personal and academic well-being. Therefore, this institution commits itself to creating for them a safe and loving environment. For this reason, we at Walla Walla University establish Haven as a place of engagement and emotional support for the wellbeing and success of LGBTQ+ students. 

Our commitments

We, as a community of faith, are committed to live lives of integrity, influenced by Biblical teaching and moral ethics. Walla Walla University endeavors to create belonging and accountability by protecting underrepresented individuals which includes those within the LGBTQ+ community. At Walla Walla University, we hold to the following:

1) We acknowledge the biblical advocacy for human connection and support through friendship and a community of faith. (Romans 12:3-18, 1 Peter 4:8&9, Ephesians 4:16)

2) We believe that every person is a creation made in the image of a God of love and, therefore, recipients of God’s unconditional love. (Genesis 1:26&27, Genesis 9:6, Romans 5:1-9, Jeremiah 31:3, 1 John 4:7-21, 1 Corinthians 13)

3) We pledge to keep others and ourselves accountable in upholding a standard which includes treating every person with dignity, respect, compassion, and, most of all, love. (Luke 12:6&7, Ephesians 2:4-10, 1 John 4:7-21, 1 Corinthians 13, Mathew 7:12, John 13:34)