BYU Honor Code Contract

[mlb99]

I live in Provo, Utah. I go (or went) to BYU for 3.5 yrs and recetly got kicked out because (supposedly) I did't have 80% attendance in the LDS ward where my membership records were. As a result, I lost my job, had to move out of my apartment, and lost 3.5 yrs of schooling. There must be something I can do to prove that losing everything just because my bishop said I didn't attend his ward enough is wrong and that I deserve some sort of retribution for what I have gone through. There are some side details to this case that makes it hard for me to decide what category to put it under, but there is seriously something legally wrong with one person having the power to take everything away from someone like this man did with me. The school says that there is nothing they can do because he has all the say in whether I get my endorsement or not, and therefore whether I am able to graduate from BYU or not. I need help. If there is some sort of legal action I might be able to take, I would really like to know. Thank you.

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

I live in Provo, Utah. I go (or went) to BYU for 3.5 yrs and recetly got kicked out because (supposedly) I did't have 80% attendance in the LDS ward where my membership records were. As a result, I lost my job, had to move out of my apartment, and lost 3.5 yrs of schooling. There must be something I can do to prove that losing everything just because my bishop said I didn't attend his ward enough is wrong and that I deserve some sort of retribution for what I have gone through. There are some side details to this case that makes it hard for me to decide what category to put it under, but there is seriously something legally wrong with one person having the power to take everything away from someone like this man did with me. The school says that there is nothing they can do because he has all the say in whether I get my endorsement or not, and therefore whether I am able to graduate from BYU or not. I need help. If there is some sort of legal action I might be able to take, I would really like to know. Thank you.

My response:

Sometimes, religion sucks doesn't it? You must have really pissed off the Bishop for him to take 3.5 years of your life away.

The law will not intervene where a decision is based upon religious tenets or rules.

You knew, or should and could have known, the rules. If you were on Notice of the rules, then you have no ground to stand upon.

I can only suggest that you appeal to a higher source - - at BYU, that is.

IAAL

 

[mlb99]

In Response

I thank you for your response. The thing is, I never broke any of the rules. That is why I'm so upset. The Bishop is angry with me for refusing to clean up my roommate's feces off my floor when he asked me too. There were many problems with this roommate (she has psychological problems) and my Bishop didn't think I was being understanding enough. But I think she shouldn't be living where she is if she has that many problems, and just because I live involuntarily with her doesn't mean I have to be her babysitter. The Bishop yelled at me when I told him that I would not clean up her feces. I know he is just trying to get back at me, because I didn't break any of the rules. Plus, the Bishop told everyone he talked to about this a different reason for revoking my endorsement. So he doesn't have a real reason. That's why I'm so angry. I have taken this matter up with the high officals at BYU, but because of the religion, they say they can't do anything about it because that would be undermining the Bishop's priesthood authority. I just can't believe that he can take everything away from me within the safety of religion. Are you sure there isn't anything I can do? I have lost more than $15,000.00 because of this man.

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

Re: In Response

I thank you for your response. The thing is, I never broke any of the rules. That is why I'm so upset. The Bishop is angry with me for refusing to clean up my roommate's feces off my floor when he asked me too. There were many problems with this roommate (she has psychological problems) and my Bishop didn't think I was being understanding enough. But I think she shouldn't be living where she is if she has that many problems, and just because I live involuntarily with her doesn't mean I have to be her babysitter. The Bishop yelled at me when I told him that I would not clean up her feces. I know he is just trying to get back at me, because I didn't break any of the rules. Plus, the Bishop told everyone he talked to about this a different reason for revoking my endorsement. So he doesn't have a real reason. That's why I'm so angry. I have taken this matter up with the high officals at BYU, but because of the religion, they say they can't do anything about it because that would be undermining the Bishop's priesthood authority. I just can't believe that he can take everything away from me within the safety of religion. Are you sure there isn't anything I can do? I have lost more than $15,000.00 because of this man.

My response:

I agree. You shouldn't need to be a babysitter for another adult. However, because BYU is a religious college, and doesn't take any Federal funds for it's existence, Civil law turns a deaf ear when decisions are made under color of religion. It's the old "Separation of Church and State" thing.

Transfer your credits to another college. You know, you can do a lot better than BYU. Take my Alma Mater for example - - Stanford University. Which "sheepskin" would you rather display on your wall - - BYU or Leland Stanford University? Let me tell you, many more "doors" will open for you with Stanford on your resume. Outside of Utah, people say, "Huh?" when it comes to BYU. While in many, many ways BYU is a terrific school, it just doesn't have the "cache" that other schools have. Listen, if you can make it into BYU, you can make it into Yale, Harvard, Stanford, William & Mary, etc., etc., and the list of fine schools goes on.

Once you're there, write the old Bishop a letter. You'll know what to say.

So, it's not a total waste of money or time. Just a set back. Transfer your records to another college.

Good luck to you.

IAAL

 

[mlb99]

I really appreciate your time and help with this. It means a lot to have someone who knows about this kind of stuff help me out. I think I will take your advice about transferring to another school. Thanks again!

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

I really appreciate your time and help with this. It means a lot to have someone who knows about this kind of stuff help me out. I think I will take your advice about transferring to another school. Thanks again!

My response:

You're entirely welcome !

I realize that the decision hurts, and that picking up and moving is, to say the least, a pain. I know you didn't need this in your life right now; but, it's a short term problem, easily fixed, and your efforts of correction will be worthwhile in the long run. It's the long run and term that's important. So, while that old Bishop got his way in the "short term", it won't affect you in the "long run". In fact, and to use the words of the Bishop, it's probably "a blessing" in disguise.

Keep getting those wonderful grades, and make something terrific out of your life !

You'll be just fine, and I'll be in your pocket any time you want to talk.

IAAL