Brigham Young University — the Utah school owned by The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints (or Mormons) is quite possibly the most religious school in the country. It’s definitely the largest religious university (coming in at #3 in size among all private universities) and approximately 98% of the students at BYU identify with the religion that owns the school.
At BYU, all students, faculty and staff are expected to adhere to an honor code which includes rules on cheating, academic dishonesty, chastity, dress, consumption of tea and coffee, tobacco use, grooming and the use of drugs and alcohol. While for the Mormon students this code may be no burden, it likely could be for the 2% of students who are not Mormon and still expected to adhere, despite their own personal opinions.
If you violate this honor code, penalties range from a warning to being expelled.
Brandon Davies, a star basketball player on the BYU team, has been found in violation of the honor code for reportedly engaging in premarital, consensual sex and has been suspended from the basketball team for the remainder of the season. Davies reportedly admitted that he had sex with his girlfriend (who has not been named) on Monday. He is said to be “extremely remorseful, heartbroken.” Davies is expected to remain at BYU and not face expulsion. Davies has not made a statement.
One of the team’s star players, Jimmer Fredette, explained: “He told us everything. He told us he was sorry and that he let us down.”
The team’s coach, Dave Ross — who believes Davies will play again — spoke about the honor code to reporters.
“Everybody who comes to BYU, every student if they’re an athlete or not an athlete, they make a commitment when they come,” Rose said. “A lot of people try to judge if this is right or wrong, but it’s a commitment they make. It’s not about right or wrong. It’s about commitment.”
The team has already lost a game against New Mexico since Davies — a leading rebounder — was suspended. Sports commentators mention that BYU was expected to be a No. 1 seed in the NCAA finals this month, now their chances of a NCAA championship this season are slim.
This news comes a year after BYU’s all-time leading rusher, football player, Harvey Unga withdrew from the school in April 2010 along with his girlfriend, basketball player, Keilani Moeaki, over an honor code violation. Additionally, junior Michael Loyd Jr. left BYU and the basketball team in October, explaining, “The Mormon thing wasn’t for me.”
What do you think of BYU suspending Brandon Davies? How difficult do you think it would be to survive college with such a strict honor code? Weigh in below.