Brigham Young University (BYU) is a private college owned and operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon.) One thing the school is known for is its strict honor code, which mirrors the standards of the LDS religion and is taken quite seriously by BYU students and administrators alike.
Basics of the BYU Honor Code
Even though the BYU honor code is basically an iteration of the LDS religious code of conduct, adherence to the honor code is expected of all students whether or not they are Mormon. Provisions of the BYU honor code include:
- Complete abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs;
- Not engaging in any illegal activity;
- Refraining from gambling (legal or illegal);
- No involvement with pornography or pornographic material;
- Dress and grooming standards including modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees for both men and women, no facial hair or piercings for men and no piercings other than a pair of earrings for women;
- Visiting hours enforced both on and off campus, with visitors of the opposite sex never permitted in bedrooms;
- No unmarried or pre-marital sexual activity; and
- No homosexual conduct.
The provision of BYU's honor code dealing with homosexuality was rewritten in 2007 to clarify that only homosexual behavior, not personal feelings, are punishable under the honor code. It also defines "homosexual conduct" as more than just sex, but as "all forms of physical intimacy that give expression to homosexual feelings."
The honor code also addresses cheating and plagiarism in an "academic honesty policy" like that of many other schools. Academic violations are handled by the BYU Honor Code Office and are susceptible to similar consequences as other honor code offenses.
Application of BYU's Honor Code
Provisions of the BYU honor code apply to all faculty, staff, and students both on and off campus during their employment or enrollment at the university.
Honor code violations could mean consequences ranging from a simple reprimand to suspension or expulsion from Brigham Young University. The disciplinary procedure for honor code violations is similar to the disciplinary procedure followed in the LDS church, where both the severity of the violation and the repentant (or unrepentant) attitude of the offender affect the outcome.
More serious penalties such as expulsion from school are generally reserved for violations of the LDS law of chastity, which prohibits homosexual and unmarried heterosexual intimacy. Mormon doctrine teaches that breaking the law of chastity is one of the most serious sins a person can commit.
Notable BYU Students Punished for Honor Code Violations
Brigham Young University occasionally receives a lot of press (both good and bad) when notable students or student athletes are disciplined for violating the school's honor code.
- Basketball forward Brandon Davies was suspended from BYU in March 2011 after premarital sex with his girlfriend.
- Running back Harvey Unga and his girlfriend voluntarily withdrew from the school after an undisclosed honor code violation in 2010.
- BYU student Julie Stoffer was suspended for violating the honor code's provision against having unmarried opposite sex roommates when she appeared on MTV's "Real World."
Anyone employed by or enrolled in LDS-owned Brigham Young University must agree to abide by BYU's strict honor code. Many non-Mormons see the honor code as unrealistic and even ridiculous, but faithful members of the LDS church believe in following most of the honor code's precepts all their lives - whether they are attending BYU or not.
Sources:
" Church Educational System Honor Code," Brigham Young University Undergraduate Catalog 2010-2011.
Jenna Morrison, "BYU Clarifies Honor Code." Universe, 17 April 2007.
Ian Saleh, "Bandon Davies suspended form BYU basketball team for honor code violation." Washington Post, 4 March 2011.
Graham Watson, "BYU RB Unga withdraws from school." ESPN College Football Nation blog, 19 April 2010.
Nate Bertasso, "BYU Suspends 'Real World' Julie Stoffer." Universe, 29 July 2000.
Jenny Evans - Jenny Evans is a freelance writer and editor specializing in parenting and the family. She is also the Mormonism Topic Editor for ...
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