An author at The Student Review, “an independent paper revival,” claims the BYU Honor Code restricts religious freedom. He makes a compelling case, quoting Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Joseph Smith, the LDS Church’s founder. I think I might agree but I would describe the Honor Code more as means BYU uses to control behavior rather than restrict freedom. Interesting points were brought up recently in discussions on Facebook. BYU students sign a contract to follow the Honor Code while pursuing their education at BYU, and the Honor Code (per The Student Review) says you have to be in “good standing” to graduate from the university. Education at BYU is, in some sense, subsidized by LDS church tithes and donations; is it fair that someone enters as a Mormon, uses money donors think is going to the Mormon cause, and graduates as something other than a Mormon? I’m not really sure, but I think the author of the article brings up valid points worth discussing and considering.
The author concludes with a quote from Joseph Smith:
“…the same principle which would trample upon the rights of the Latter-day Saints would trample upon the rights of the Roman Catholics, or of any other denomination who may be unpopular and too weak to defend themselves”
Regardless of whether I agree, I guess I’ll stand by BYU’s (a private institution) right to enforce rules it sees necessary so I can maintain my freedom to worship how, where, or what I may–or not. Is it too much to ask that BYU/the Church, in their efforts to squelch religious freedom at BYU, not over step their bounds to restrict my freedoms?