Can You Hold Hands at Liberty University? A Love Story of Rules and Regulations
Ah, Liberty University. The bastion of Christian values, the land of moral purity, and the place where apparently, even holding hands can be a controversial act. You see, my dear reader, Liberty University isn’t just a school; it’s a whole lifestyle, complete with a set of rules so strict they could make a nun blush.
Now, before we dive into the hand-holding saga, let’s be clear: I’m not here to judge. If you’re into a place where your every move is meticulously monitored, and even a fleeting touch can land you in hot water, then Liberty is your oyster. But for those of us who are a bit more… relaxed in our social interactions, it’s a world that can feel like a straight-jacked version of college life.
So, back to the burning question: Can you hold hands at Liberty University?
Well, the short answer is… it’s complicated.
You see, Liberty University has this thing called the “Liberty Way,” which is basically their student honor code. And according to this code, any “inappropriate personal contact” is a no-no. Now, the trick is that the code doesn’t explicitly mention hand-holding.
It’s a bit like a game of hide-and-seek where the rule is, “Don’t touch anything,” but they never specify what “anything” is. You get the feeling they’re hoping you’ll just assume they mean everything.
But here’s the kicker: in 2014, the Liberty Way actually did have a specific rule about “personal contact beyond hand-holding.” Students caught breaking this rule got four “points” and a $10 fine. Now, imagine the pressure! You’re trying to navigate your first crush, trying to figure out if you should even think about holding hands, and all the while, you’ve got this internal point system ticking away.
It’s enough to make you want to just stay home and Netflix and chill… even if you can’t technically Netflix and chill at Liberty either.
This rule, thankfully, has been relaxed. Now, it’s more of a “Don’t be too touchy-feely” kind of situation. But, let’s be real, even with the vague wording, it’s still pretty clear that Liberty isn’t exactly a place where PDA is encouraged.
So, you can technically hold hands at Liberty, but it’s definitely not a good idea to get carried away. Think of it as a high-stakes game of “How close can you get without getting caught?”
The Liberty Way: A Guide to Navigating the Minefield of Romance
Let’s face it, the Liberty Way is a bit like a minefield when it comes to romance. It’s full of hidden rules, ambiguous language, and the constant threat of getting caught. Let’s break down some of the other “no-nos”:
- No dancing: The Liberty Way frowns upon dancing, so if you’re hoping for a romantic waltz under the stars, you’ll have to find another place.
- Curfews: Liberty has strict curfews for students, especially commuters. So, if you’re planning a romantic evening, you better make sure to get back to your dorm before midnight.
- Dating Rules: While Liberty doesn’t explicitly ban dating, they do expect students to abstain from sexual activity outside of marriage. So, any romantic interactions should be… well-behaved.
- Dress Code: Liberty has a pretty strict dress code, so you can’t wear your favorite ripped jeans or anything remotely revealing. It’s all about looking presentable and modest.
What’s the Big Deal with Hand-Holding?
But why all the fuss about hand-holding? Why is it such a big deal at Liberty University? Well, it goes back to their core values: a commitment to a very conservative interpretation of Christianity.
The university believes in a very specific set of morals, and they believe that any form of physical intimacy outside of marriage is wrong. Holding hands, according to them, can be seen as a gateway to more “inappropriate” behavior.
It’s like they’re afraid that if you hold hands, you’re going to suddenly develop superpowers and be able to teleport into a hotel room with a king-size bed and a complimentary bottle of champagne.
To be honest, the whole hand-holding thing seems a bit extreme, even for a university that’s known for its strict rules. But hey, to each their own. If you’re okay with living in a world where hand-holding is a risky move, then maybe Liberty is the place for you.
A Final Thought:
The truth is, the hand-holding issue is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Liberty University. There are tons of other rules and regulations that students need to abide by. But, whether you agree with them or not, they are a part of what makes Liberty University, well, Liberty University.
And hey, who knows? Maybe in the future, Liberty will loosen up a bit and allow students to hold hands, dance, and even maybe go on dates without fear of consequence.
Until then, if you’re planning on attending Liberty, be sure to familiarize yourself with the Liberty Way. And maybe… just maybe… keep your hands in your pockets. Just to be safe.