Shorter University in Rome says students are not required to sign a personal lifestyle statement that is required for faculty and staff.

The policy requires Shorter employees to pledge that they will not engage in homosexual activity, pre- or extra-marital sex, or drink alcohol around students.

Campus protests erupted after the policy’s October 21st announcement.

University President Donald Dowless says the practice does not violate the requirements of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. But SACS says it's too early to confirm whether the pledge violates its standards.

Shorter University's accreditation is up for reaffirmation by SACS in 2012, when the policy is scheduled to take effect.

Tags: university, Shorter, Lifestyle, Pledge