BYU: Symbolic Annihilation

Imagine a school in which consuming things such as coffee, cigarettes, and alcohol are against the policy. It is a rule to use clean language and be honest. It is also mandated that there be a strict dress code, mandatory church services, and the practice of abstinence. (BYU Honor Code) This is not any ordinary institution, this is Brigham Young University. This strict honor code is one that every student has to sign and abide by. In the last week, star basketball player Brandon Davies failed to comply with this code after admitting to premarital relations with his girlfriend. From an athletic standpoint, an individual usually must adhere to strict policy on what they can or cannot do. This however creates an even larger situation and debate for the athlete who identities as a LGBT. Part of the honor code professes to live a life of chastity and virtue. Although this is based off of religious beliefs, having this as a prerequisite to attend a university seems somewhat unusual. This can be tied back to the study of sport in the 19^th century and how sexual acts were seen as done by the weak and hazardous to one’s health. The code explicitly states that homosexual behavior (not only sexual relations between members of the same sex, but all forms of physical intimacy that give expression to homosexual feelings) is against the honor code. In this portion of the honor code, clear discrimination can be seen against homosexual individuals. Even though, in relation to sexual action, the policy is enforced to heterosexual individuals, is still is unfairly instituted.

There is nowhere stated in the BYU honor code that heterosexuals need to refrain from forms of physical intimacy (not including intercourse) that expresses feelings. One argument against this entire issue is that the individuals that go to this school know what they are getting themselves into. They came to the school, are being given scholarships, and should adhere to the given administrative policies. However, from the broader spectrum, the policy can be seen as a blatant discriminatory practice. This somewhat reminds me of the issue with Renee Portland of Penn State. She was openly against allowing lesbians on her basketball team and showed this in her negative recruiting style. Even though Portland’s actions were personal and not administratively based, it shows clear discrimination against individuals identifying as LGBT. BYU’s honor code is very strict but because of this, it becomes a dangerous place to come out as a homosexual. In a report by ESPN (Article), it states how Amar’e Stoudemire and Tim Tebow both support Davies. Tebow claims that everyone makes mistakes while Stoudemire claims to let the kid have fun. Something that came to mind for me was what if a homosexual athlete was to be kicked off of a BYU athletics team. Would there be professional athletes coming to their defense? As we have seen in class, to identify one’s self as a homosexual athlete puts that individual in a significantly different situation than those who are the heterosexual norm. This fact is the reason that many players choose to keep their sexual orientation a private matter. If a player does choose to come out, this could compromise their role, identity, and relationships on the team. BYU walks a fine line in covertly annihilating the appearance of homosexuals in their school. There are not explicit rules about not being a homosexual but the rules are enforced and manifested in a way that puts these individuals in positions to not enjoy a normal and regular life. Even though this whole argument has a religious basis, BYU attempts to symbolically annihilate homosexuals from their athletic teams and their campus in general.