Have you ever been sitting in your home and wished you felt a little more secure? While this is a relatable feeling for many young adults, it’s a common reality for single women at BYU. Many long for the protective power that a priesthood holder would bring to the apartment, but are denied this blessing due to their gender. 

This fall, policies have changed to bring equality. In a move approved by BYU’s Honor Code Office and Title IX Office, all BYU-affiliated housing will guarantee a worthy priesthood holder in students’ homes.

Curious about how this will play out? Don’t worry–it already has. Some households throughout Provo were selected to be a part of the beta trial. 

Meet Tynley Davis: a junior in the accounting program. Her freshman year, she was forced to live in an all-girls’ apartment, where giggles and femininity reigned. She missed the stability of her home, where her father’s priesthood authority kept them all in line. Come March, she was looking for housing for the next fall, and an ad caught her eye, advertising the opportunity to have that priesthood authority in her very home. 

“Knowing God’s power was in the home made us all feel a lot safer,” Tynley explained. 

Conversely, Lauryn Smith, a now-senior in exercise science, was chosen involuntarily. Although she enjoys married status, she is married to a devout Catholic. 

“My husband is a nonmember, so we had to ask my ex-boyfriend if he would fill the slot,” Lauryn described. She explained further that at first it was difficult, but with time, she found herself recovering her relationship with former boyfriend Bretten and the house felt more holy for the gaining of the priesthood. 

We hope that BYU students will feel equally blessed as these measures roll out in full force this September.