I expect this note, if printed in the Daily Universe, to receive heated responses denouncing it as unrighteous and heretical, an unfortunately common response on BYU campus when alternative ideas are offered. Maybe it is a tired subject, but daily reminders compel me to write this. I understand that this is a private university and as such BYU can create any code of conduct it believes prudent. However, as it is also a church institution, it should represent the ideals of the church while employing means to achieve these ideals that are compatible with the gospel.
This isn’t Sunday school so I will spare you the reminder of Satan’s plan, or Joseph Smith’s quote about ‘correct principles’ and self governance. Even though High School is still a recent memory for some, most of us have left that dependent stage of life behind us and are ready now, yes now! to be adults in the world and the church. But how can we really be independent (in critical thinking, self expression, and anything else) when we are compelled to conform to an antiquated and artificial standard set by a disconnected administration? How much more rewarding is it for you to actively make good decisions, as opposed to those decisions being made for you (or having the opportunity to make bad decisions limited)? When can we grow up and practice for real life, not this vivarium. And when has any rule contained a person with a mind set to break it?
Know that I am not arguing the right of the university to have a code of behavior, nor am I saying that I am a victim. I do remember signing the honor code when I was admitted. I am committed to follow it. But neither you nor I should believe that by committing ourselves to this code we surrendered any right to question it. It may be based on good intentions, but that does not and should not remove doubt of its effectiveness or necessity.
A brief example of what I believe should be changed:
Beards and Hair: The nuances of this rule reveal it as silly and outdated. Beards and long hair weren’t against the honor code until the 1970s. Mustaches at the time were still considered fashionable and compatible with a clean appearance so they were allowed to stay. This rule is loosely based on scripture and church authorities on the subject of clean appearances, yet it was created nearly 40 years ago as a response to cultural changes. If we have a rule based on a time and culture that is much different than our time and culture, we need to re-evaluate this rule so it best suits us now. The stupidity of being told to shave before you can take a test, or use school facilities is only slightly eclipsed by the beard card and what it represents.
Curfew: I don’t expect this rule to stop anyone committed to late night liaisons. It only serves as a reminder to how little trust the administration has in its students. Those committed to being morally clean don’t need it, and those uncommitted don’t follow it. What, then, is its purpose?
I could continue for several pages outlining other ways I’ve seen the university disregard its students (parking, student government, housing, etc.), however I would like to dedicate this to what I see as imperfections in the honor code.
The honor code has changed before, evidenced by beards/long hair now forbidden for men and pants/jeans now allowed for ladies. In fact, the honor code as we know it was non-existent before 1949 and since then has gone through many changes. I hope it does again. I hope others who feel the same as I do will raise their voices to those in power to change it. I am very grateful to be a student at BYU. I know it can be better than it now is. A roommate of mine and old mission companion said it well when he said, “I know the church is true, but BYU isn’t.”
Bradford Law
Provo, Utah
It needed to be said and I hope it gets out there for more people to see!
AMEN!
You know, I couldn’t agree more that BYU is a bit messed up in how it treats its students and such. (I think in certain regards though the beard business is a good idea – when people visit BYU, they are normally highly impressed by the students and how they look clean, etc. Students in other universities can look pretty shaggy and unruly.)
However, it’s grown a bit out of control. The honor code was actually created by students, and I think it should stay in the hands of the students largely. A great example was when the leading candidate for BYUSA was taken out of the running by BYU – not the students – because his vice president was reported to be in an apartment after curfew chatting. I happen to have known this vice president and he was one of the nicest, most righteous guys I’ve ever known and that something so awful was done to him for something so small is really quite sad. What’s even worse was how it went down. Someone reported that he was in an apartment too late and the administration called him in. They asked him if he had and he very honestly said yes and for something such as that not only was he and his partner denied office but he was put on probation – even though I’m guessing no one except the anti social can say they’ve never been in an apartment past midnight, even if they try to follow the rule. There’s a huge list of problems with the honor code being disruptive to it’s goals and the bureaucracy at BYU that should be addressed. I know of nonmembers who were treated awful by BYU employees for having beards when visiting campus, which is completely against the purpose of having the rule.
I graduated from BYU and looking back I don’t miss the honor code. My biggest beef is with curfew. But remember, BYU is not like every other school. It truly is a blessing to be accepted. If you don’t like the rules, don’t go there. However, Bradford has expressed his opinion very cogently and I think he has some great points. Well done Bradford.
Some of the many reasons I chose to deny any acceptance to BYU related schools…
I know its a school with good programs and highly rated staff, but there are a lot of other schools with the same quality that allow their students to make choices in the world. BYU is definitely NOT like any other school, but that doesn’t mean that it has to be archaic or suppressive either.
I have plenty of gripes about the way BYU runs, but I think that in the end, people who care have to stand up for what is needed and right. Having an opinion is not against any standard in the church.
Be a revolutionary. Its ok.
Unrighteous! Heretical!
Thanks all for your comments!
Dallin, I also have heard that visitors are impressed with our clean, beardless faces. On the other hand, when I visit other campuses it is very refreshing to see the spectrum from BYU approved appearance to beards and long hair. Perhaps its just because I’m in Provo and it’s a novelty, but it helped me feel like I was in an environment that would value what I contributed, not how many hours it had been since I shaved my face.
Winnie, thanks for your compliment.
Kimberly, I also agree – there is no monopoly on truth or good, even in the Church organization itself. I could go to (GASP!) U of U and have an excellent education without any negative side effects. It really is up to the individual student.
Thanks again to your comments, I like to see when others agree or disagree.
Thanks for that breath of fresh air!
Dear Bradford,
thanks for your impressions. I am a PhD student in EE coming from Europe, I`m going to visit BYU because I was invited there for a presentation. Now my “problem” is that I have long hair (nicely tight in a pony tail, not too long though). Do you think I should expect problems when accessing the BYU? I mean, I`m going there just for a 1-day presentation, I am not a BYU student nor I signed any Honor Code.
Despite my appearance, I am a Christian and my faith is one of the most important things in my life – might that taken into account to judge on my moral integrity?
Thank you very much for your precious help.
Mau, you don’t have to worry if you’re a visitor as far as I know. The honor code is only for students. And don’t feel self conscious either, the students at BYU are typically open minded and accepting of differences
I’m glad you’re visiting, when are you coming? I’m an EE student at BYU so I’d like to see your presentation.