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What is BYU?
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<p>Oh dear. </p>
<p>BYU = Brigham Young University. It is a place of rather unique culture, as it is founded by, sponsored by, and run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, more commonly known as the Mormons.</p>
<p>If you assumed that BYU discourages some kinds of extracurricular activities that are common on other campuses, you would be correct. </p>
<p>Here are some excerpts from their "honor code" which sounds a lot like a behaviour code to me:
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Abstain from alcoholic beverages, tobacco, tea, coffee, and substance abuse" </p>
<ol>
<li><p>Abstain from Alcoholic Beverages. Any consumption of alcohol, in any form, is a breach of the Honor Code. The following are examples of serious noncompliant behavior related to alcohol use:</p>
<pre><code> 1. Being present where alcohol is being consumed by others
2. Personal consumption of alcohol socially or as a consequence of alcoholism
3. Furnishing alcohol to others
4. Having alcohol in one's apartment
</code></pre></li>
<li><p>Substance Abuse. Board policy requires dismissal on the first offense of drug use, except when the only contact with a drug is limited and where the student confesses and initiates repentance before disciplinary action is begun (see BYU Drug-Free School Policy).</p>
<p>Abusing substances other than illicit drugs is likewise not permitted at BYU. We want to avoid anything like a drug culture in our campus environment.</p></li>
<li><p>Abstain from Tea, Coffee, and Tobacco. The worldwide expectation is that Latter-day Saints do not smoke, drink, or use tea and coffee, so BYU students, as representatives of the LDS Church, do not.</p>
<p>Personal interpretations which go beyond this mark are not part of this policy.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Drug testing</p>
<p>When there has been a report of a drug violation and there is supporting information, the student may be requested to take a drug test. Arrangements must be made for the test through the Health Center. A signed, witnessed, and dated Consent Agreement must be obtained. One copy goes to the Health Center. The original is placed in the student's file. The cost of the test will be paid by the student.</p>
<p>If the student refuses to take a drug test, the student will be informed that the university will make a determination of the student's status pursuant to an HCO investigation of the underlying facts and circumstances. The university cannot compel an individual to take a drug test. However, if the student refuses to take the test, an action will be selected based on information available.
Adhere to the dress and grooming standards</p>
<p>The dress and grooming of both men and women should always be modest, neat, and clean, consistent with the dignity of representing BYU and the LDS Church. Members of the BYU community commit themselves to observe the Dress and Grooming Standards outlined in the Honor Code.Beard Waiver Policy</p>
<p>The BYU Dress and Grooming Standards direct that personal grooming be "...consistent with the dignity of representing Brigham Young University and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." Consequently, the BYU Board of Trustees has specified that "Beards are not acceptable...." However, as clarified in this policy, reasonable accommodations may be granted to those individuals with "...certified medical or religious reasons."</p>
<p>Since beards are visibly noticeable, the granting of exceptions to grooming standards has potential to raise questions about individuals' Honor Code compliance. The student information sheet on Procedures for Approving a Beard Waiver Request explains procedures and criteria for approving beard waiver requests and conduct standards for those to whom waivers are granted.
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<p>I DO love the part that says "Since beards are visibly noticeable, the granting of exceptions to grooming standards has potential to raise questions about individuals' Honor Code compliance. " </p>
<p>So they say that they'll grant an exception to the beard policy and then hold it against the student!</p>