In 2018, Trinity Western University changed a policy that had been central to the controversy over its proposed law school.

After the Supreme Court of Canada upheld decisions by the B.C. and Ontario law societies not to approve the proposed law school, TWU’s Board announced that the Community Covenant would no longer be mandatory for student admission or continued enrolment. The university said its Christian mission would remain unchanged.

Today, TWU’s published policies reflect that change. The Community Covenant continues to set out TWU’s religious beliefs and behavioural expectations, including that sexual intimacy is reserved for marriage between one man and one woman. TWU states that sincerely embracing the Covenant is a requirement for employment.

Students, are governed by a Student Code of Conduct which requires them to respect TWU’s Christian mission, values and evangelical beliefs and applies on campus and in certain university-related settings, including athletics, travel, practicums and internships.

The Code also emphasizes support. It states that every person should be valued, respected and empowered to flourish, and provides a process for students who voluntarily seek help concerning certain “lifestyle behaviours,” including sexuality, before staff become aware of a potential violation.

At the same time, the Code encourages students, staff and faculty to hold one another accountable to the university’s values and permits the conduct process to begin following a complaint.

TWU has drawn an additional distinction in its School of Education. The university states that teacher-education faculty and sessional instructors are not required to sign, abide by or support the Community Covenant, in accordance with B.C. Teachers’ Council requirements.

The result is a different framework from the mandatory student covenant considered in the 2018 litigation. The Covenant is no longer mandatory for student admission or continued enrolment, while TWU continues to express its religious values through its employment requirements and Student Code of Conduct.