I’m concerned about BYU, especially the way the BYU Honor Code Office has fallen under so much public scrutiny lately. While I admit that some of its investigative practices can sometimes cross the line, we are missing the point if we don’t recognize the good of the Honor Code Office. I think it would be helpful at this time to consider some of the benefits the Honor Code Office brings to our campus. Please consider the following services the HCO provides us.

1. The HCO helps remind regular students that they just aren’t as good as the student-athletes.

Many regular students are often confused about how they compare to our sacred student-athletes. They may hear of regular students facing far harsher punishments for less serious violations of the Honor Code than student-athletes receive for worse violations. The HCO serves to remove any confusion from the situation by clearly showing regular students that they just aren’t worth as much to the school as the student-athletes are, especially if they play football or basketball.

2. The HCO prevents students from being assaulted by scraggly beards.

Most men at BYU can’t grow a good beard but would likely try to do so anyway. Requiring men to be clean-shaved to take tests prevents them from going more than a few weeks at most between shaves. This wise and prudent policy protects us all from seeing hundreds, if not thousands, of unsightly neckbeards and thin whispy attempts at facial hair.

3. The HCO provides security and peace of mind for students.

At normal universities, students live in constant fear that their roommates might commit an actual crime or even an act of violence against them. Thanks to the HCO, BYU students only have to live in constant fear that their roommates might report them for letting someone of the opposite gender use the bathroom in their apartment or for staying out past curfew. These more benign problems and fears clearly indicate that things are much better here at BYU.

4. The HCO provides a safe place for older men and women to judge the younger generations.

Being an older man or woman in today’s society can be difficult. It would be even more difficult if there wasn’t a place like the HCO where they can spend their time judging, scrutinizing, and punishing young people who make mistakes. They sure knew better back in their day how to take responsibility for promises made quickly at 18 years old.

I love BYU and I want to see it hold firm to its traditions. I pray we will always remember the example of the Pharisees of the New Testament and cling to dogmatic practice over the love of Christ, especially here at the Lord’s university.

Sincerely,

Donald G. Cherry