M.P.C.

Most college kids brag. Some even make up stories.  One came forward and confessed. His name is Brandon Davies. Brandon plays basketball for Brigham Young University, an affiliation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. BYU has an honor code that requires students, among other things, to “live a chase and virtuous life.” Davies broke that code with the help of his girlfriend. 

Brandon was not caught. Nobody turned him in. He came forward himself with the news of his indiscretion. As a result, he will be suspended from the nation’s 3rd ranked basketball team for the rest of the season. BYU has yet to make a final decision regarding Davies’ education.

Some may think suspension from his team is excessive. Others may think that a “chastity code” for college students is destined to eliminate a college community. But this is not an issue of teens having premarital sex. It is about a school setting a standard of behavior and holding to it. (For another view of standards see A Way, A Truth, A Life.)

How will BYU continue in its relationship with Davies? He is suspended for the season, but they have yet to address his academic relationship. If he is expelled, wouldn’t that mean the honor code is being used to bring punishment? Where does an institution find the balance between instilling honor and holding its members accountable?

While Brandon broke the honor code, he did an honorable thing by coming forward. He could have kept his silence and remained on the team. Instead he chose integrity over… well, dishonesty. In doing so, he demonstrated a character that an honor code is intended to promote. Should that be enough for the school to recognize that Davies has mustered up some honor and that their code is working? And if their code is working, shouldn’t he remain a student or will he be “chasted away”?

What do you think?

To read BYU’s full honor code, click here.