Editing Brigham Young University (section)

== Student life ==
{{Main|Student life at Brigham Young University}}

=== Religious atmosphere ===

BYU's stated mission "is to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and [[Exaltation (LDS Church)|eternal life]]." BYU is thus considered by its leaders to be at heart a religious institution, wherein, ideally, religious and secular education are interwoven in a way that encourages the highest standards in both areas.<ref name="Peer">{{Cite news|url=https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/larry-h-peer_beethovens-kiss-odd-reasons-brigham-youngs-excellent-university/|title=Beethoven's Kiss: On the Odd Reasons for Brigham Young's Excellent University – BYU Speeches|last=Peer|first=Larry H.|work=BYU Speeches|access-date=February 21, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=February 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217214832/https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/larry-h-peer_beethovens-kiss-odd-reasons-brigham-youngs-excellent-university/|url-status=live}}</ref> This weaving of the secular and the religious aspects of a religious university goes back as far as Brigham Young himself, who told Karl G. Maeser when the church purchased the school: "I want you to remember that you ought not to teach even the alphabet or the
multiplication tables without the [[Holy Spirit#Latter Day Saints|Spirit of God]]."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/karl-g-maeser_final-address/|title=Final Address of Karl G. Maeser, Brigham Young Academy – Speeches|last=Maeser|first=Karl G.|work=BYU Speeches|access-date=February 21, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201025741/https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/karl-g-maeser_final-address/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title = Teaching with the Spirit:A Broader Definition| work = Focus on Faculty| date = Winter 1993
| url = http://fc.byu.edu/opages/reference/newslet/v1n1.pdf| access-date = January 21, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080228100026/http://fc.byu.edu/opages/reference/newslet/v1n1.pdf |archive-date = February 28, 2008}}</ref>

[[File:BYU Bell Tower with Provo Temple.JPG|thumb|left|The [[Brigham Young University Centennial Carillon Tower|BYU Bell Tower]] with the [[Provo Utah Temple]] in the background]]
BYU has been considered by some Latter-day Saints, as well as some university and church leaders, to be "The Lord's university". This phrase is used in reference to the school's mission as an ambassador to the world for the Church of Jesus Christ, and thus for [[Jesus#Christian views|Jesus Christ]].<ref name="Peer"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/hartman-jr-rector_go-forth-serve-3/|title=Go Forth to Serve – Elder Hartman Rector Jr. – BYU Speeches|last=Rector|first=Hartman Jr.|work=BYU Speeches|access-date=February 21, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=August 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817174928/https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/hartman-jr-rector/go-forth-serve-3/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the past, some students and faculty have expressed dissatisfaction with this nickname, stating that it gives students the idea that university authorities are always divinely inspired and never to be contradicted.<ref>{{cite web
| last = Waterman| first = Bryan|author2= Brian Kagel| title = The Lord's University:Freedom and Authority at BYU | publisher = Signature Books| url = http://www.signaturebooks.com/lords.htm
| access-date = February 26, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080211185851/http://www.signaturebooks.com/lords.htm |archive-date = February 11, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> Leaders of the school, however, acknowledge that the nickname represents more a goal that the university strives for and not its current state of being. Leaders encourage students and faculty to help fulfill the goal by following the teachings of their religion, adhering to the school's honor code, and serving others with the knowledge they gain while attending.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/henry-b-eyring_consecrated-place/|title=A Consecrated Place – Henry B. Eyring – BYU Speeches|last=Eyring|first=Henry B.|work=BYU Speeches|access-date=February 21, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=September 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914131756/https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/henry-b-eyring_consecrated-place/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/dallin-h-oaks_formula-success-byu/|title=Success at BYU: A Formula – Dallin H. Oaks – BYU Speeches|last=Oaks|first=Dallin H.|work=BYU Speeches|access-date=February 21, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=November 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117113406/https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/dallin-h-oaks_formula-success-byu/|url-status=live}}</ref>

BYU mandates that its students who are Latter-day Saints be religiously active.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://honorcode.byu.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3585&Itemid=4643| title = The Honor Code| access-date = May 6, 2007| author = Brigham Young University| quote = Participate regularly in church services| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070612020318/http://honorcode.byu.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3585&Itemid=4643| archive-date = June 12, 2007| url-status = dead}}</ref> All applicants are required to provide an endorsement from an ecclesiastic leader with their application for admittance.<ref name="ecclestical">{{cite web| url = http://honorcode.byu.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3584&Itemid=4641| title = Continuing Student Ecclesiastical Endorsement| access-date = May 6, 2007| author = Brigham Young University| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070612021115/http://honorcode.byu.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3584&Itemid=4641| archive-date = June 12, 2007| url-status = dead}}</ref> Over 900 rooms on the BYU campus are used for the purposes of Church congregations. More than 150 congregations meet on BYU campus each Sunday, where "BYU's campus becomes one of the busiest and largest centers of worship in the world" with about 24,000 persons attending church services on campus.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://magazine.byu.edu/article/sunday-at-school/|title=Sunday at School – BYU Magazine|work=BYU Magazine|access-date=February 21, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=September 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928023644/https://magazine.byu.edu/article/sunday-at-school/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Some 97 percent of male BYU graduates and 32 percent of female graduates have served as Latter-day Saint missionaries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.byu.edu/byu-numbers|title=BYU Facts and Figures|access-date=September 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922024605/https://news.byu.edu/byu-numbers|archive-date=September 22, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> In October 2012, the church announced at its general conference that young men could serve a mission after they turn 18 and have graduated from high school. Since that time many young men have elected to enroll at BYU after their mission rather than taking a hiatus during their college studies. Missionary service often lasts up to two years for young men, and up to 18 months for young women.<ref name = mission>{{cite web| title = Brigham Young University Reaffirmation of Accreditation 2006 Executive Summary| publisher = BYU
| year = 2006| url = http://accredit.byu.edu/resources/selfstudy/Executive_Summary.pdf?lms=23| access-date = January 21, 2008
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070612020727/http://accredit.byu.edu/resources/selfstudy/Executive_Summary.pdf?lms=23 |archive-date = June 12, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Honor code ===
{{Main|Church Educational System Honor Code}}

{| class="toccolours" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 2em; padding: 4px 8px; background:#c6dbf7; color:black; width:30em; max-width: 400px;" cellspacing="5"
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...{{nbsp}}Each member of the BYU community personally commits to observe these Honor Code standards approved by the Board of Trustees "at all times and in all things, and in all places" (Mosiah 18:9):

*Be honest.
*Live a chaste and virtuous life, including abstaining from any sexual relations outside a marriage between a man and a woman.
*Respect others, including the avoidance of profane and vulgar language.
*Obey the law and follow campus policies.
*Abstain from alcoholic beverages, tobacco, tea, coffee, vaping, and substance abuse.
*Participate regularly in Church services (required only of Church members).
*Observe Brigham Young University's Dress and Grooming Standards.
*Encourage others in their commitment to comply with the Honor Code.
|-
| style="text-align: left;" | — Church Educational System Honor Code Statement<ref name="CESHonorCode">{{cite web |title=Honor Code |url=https://policy.byu.edu/view/index.php?p=26 |publisher=[[Church Educational System]] |date=February 12, 2020 |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-date=December 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215090142/https://policy.byu.edu/view/index.php?p=26 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|}

All students and faculty, regardless of religion, are required to agree to adhere to an [[academic honor code|honor code]]. Early forms of the CES Honor Code are found as far back as the days of the Brigham Young Academy and early school President Karl G. Maeser. Maeser created the "Domestic Organization", a group of teachers who would visit students at their homes to ensure they were following the school's moral rules prohibiting obscenity, profanity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. The Honor Code was not formally created until about 1940, and was initially used mainly for cases of cheating and [[academic dishonesty]].

President Wilkinson expanded the Honor Code in 1957 to include other school standards. This led to what the Honor Code represents today: rules regarding chastity, dress, grooming, drugs, and alcohol. A signed commitment to live the honor code is part of the application process, and must be adhered by all students, faculty, and staff. Students and faculty found in violation of standards are warned or called to meet with representatives of the Honor Council. In certain cases, students and faculty can be expelled or lose tenure.  All students, regardless of religious affiliation or Church membership, are required to meet annually with a Church or other religious leader to receive an ecclesiastical endorsement for both acceptance and continuance at the university.<ref name=BYUhouse3>{{cite book |last1= Bergera |first1= Gary James |last2= Priddis |first2= Ronald |year= 1985 |chapter= Chapter 3: Standards & the Honor Code |chapter-url= http://signaturebookslibrary.org/?p=13895 |title= Brigham Young University: A House of Faith |place= Salt Lake City |publisher= [[Signature Books]] |isbn= 0-941214-34-6 |oclc= 12963965 |access-date= April 10, 2014 |archive-date= December 2, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131202232358/http://signaturebookslibrary.org/?p=13895 |url-status= live }}</ref>

====Policies on LGBTQ students and behavior====
{{Main|Brigham Young University LGBT history}}
BYU has regularly been ranked among the least [[LGBT]]-friendly schools in the United States,<ref>{{citation |url= http://www.princetonreview.com/schoollist.aspx?type=r&id=677 |title= Ranking Categories: Demographics – LGBTQ-Unfriendly |work= Princeton Review College Ranking |publisher= [[The Princeton Review]] |access-date= April 9, 2012 |archive-date= May 5, 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120505063252/http://www.princetonreview.com/schoollist.aspx?type=r&id=677 |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Knox|first1=Annie|title=BYU, other Christian schools ranked among the least LGBT-friendly campuses|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=August 11, 2015|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/byu-other-christian-schools-ranked-among-the-least-lgbt-friendly-campuses/2015/08/11/874381c0-4058-11e5-b2c4-af4c6183b8b4_story.html|access-date=November 16, 2016|archive-date=November 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116164112/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/byu-other-christian-schools-ranked-among-the-least-lgbt-friendly-campuses/2015/08/11/874381c0-4058-11e5-b2c4-af4c6183b8b4_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Lee|first1=Ashley|title=BYU added to LGBT organization's 'Shame List'|newspaper=[[The Universe (student newspaper)|The Daily Universe]]|publisher=BYU|date=September 14, 2016|url=http://universe.byu.edu/2016/09/14/byu-added-to-lgbt-organizations-shame-list/|access-date=November 16, 2016|archive-date=November 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116170545/http://universe.byu.edu/2016/09/14/byu-added-to-lgbt-organizations-shame-list/|url-status=live}}</ref> and its policies towards LGBTQ students have sparked criticism and protests.<ref>{{cite news|title=LGBT groups urge Big 12 to pass on adding BYU to conference|url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/lgbt-groups-urge-big-12-to-pass-on-adding-byu-to-conference|access-date=January 15, 2017|agency=[[Associated Press]]|publisher=[[Fox News]]|date=August 9, 2016|archive-date=January 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118060105/http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2016/08/09/lgbt-groups-urge-big-12-to-pass-on-adding-byu-to-conference.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Penrod|first1=Sam|title=Gay Advocacy Group Demonstrates at BYU; Two Arrests Made|url=https://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=1019286|access-date=August 13, 2017|agency=[[KSL.com]]|publisher=[[Deseret Digital Media]]|date=March 22, 2007|archive-date=August 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813121216/https://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=1019286|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Dozens Arrested at 'Equality Ride' Protest at BYU|url=https://issuu.com/qsaltlake/docs/qsl060415/6|access-date=August 13, 2017|magazine=[[QSaltLake]]|date=April 15, 2006|archive-date=July 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727060412/https://issuu.com/qsaltlake/docs/qsl060415/6|url-status=live}}</ref> It continues to ban same-sex romantic behavior such as dating, holding hands, and kissing as of August 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Harris |first=Martha |date=2023-08-30 |title=For queer BYU students, the Honor Code update picks at wounded feelings of belonging |url=https://www.kuer.org/education/2023-08-30/for-queer-byu-students-the-honor-code-update-picks-at-wounded-feelings-of-belonging |work=[[KUER-FM]] |publisher=[[University of Utah]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Iati |first=Marisa |date=2020-03-06 |title=BYU lifted a ban on 'homosexual behavior.' The Mormon Church says same-sex couples still can't date. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2020/03/05/mormon-church-says-no-same-sex-dating-at-byu/ |newspaper=[[Washington Post]] |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> Historically, experiences for BYU students identifying as LGBTQIA+ have included being banned from enrolling due to their romantic attractions in the 60s,<ref name="Dynamics">{{cite book|last1=Quinn|first1=D. Michael| author-link=D. Michael Quinn |title=Same-Sex Dynamics among Nineteenth-Century Americans: A Mormon Example| date=1996|publisher= [[University of Illinois Press]] |isbn=978-0252022050 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UXVj398JvnsC|via=[[Google Books]]|url-access=limited}}</ref>{{rp|379}} being required by school administration to undergo electroshock and vomit aversion therapies in the 1970s,<ref name=Multiply>{{cite book|editor-last=Corcoran|editor-first=Brent|last=O'Donovan|first=Connell|author-link=Connell O'Donovan|chapter='The Abominable and Detestable Crime against Nature': A Brief History of Homosexuality and Mormonism, 1840-1980|url= https://www.signaturebooks.com/books/p/multiply-and-replenish |title= Multiply and Replenish: Mormon Essays on Sex and Family|date=1994|publisher=[[Signature Books]]|location=Salt Lake City, Utah|isbn=978-1560850502|chapter-url= http://signaturebookslibrary.org/the-abominable-and-detestable-crime-against-nature/|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220327031212/http://signaturebookslibrary.org/the-abominable-and-detestable-crime-against-nature/ |archive-date=March 27, 2022 |via =[[Internet Archive]]|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{rp|155}} having nearly 80% of BYU students reporting they'd refuse to live with an openly homosexual person in a poll in the 1990s,<ref name=Ban>{{cite news|last1=Smart|first1=Michael|title=BYU Student Poll: Ban Gay Students|newspaper=[[The Salt Lake Tribune]]|date=March 22, 1997|page=D2 |quote=[They] conducted the school-approved survey to 420 students in randomly selected classes on campus. ... [Clayton] feels the results show a substantial amount of intolerance and prejudice among students towards same-sex oriented people. ... Almost 80 percent of respondents would not live with a same-sex oriented roommate.|id={{ProQuest|288698514}}|url=https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=27714633|via=[[University of Utah]]}}</ref> and a campus-wide ban on coming out until 2007.<ref name="Century">{{cite magazine|title=BYU clarifies code on homosexuality: Homosexual orientation no longer a violation|url=https://www.christiancentury.org/article/2007-05/byu-clarifies-code-homosexuality-0|magazine=[[The Christian Century]]|date=May 29, 2007|volume=124|issue=11|page=15|access-date=February 5, 2017}}</ref><ref name="Ask">{{cite magazine|title=Mormonism: 'Do Ask, Do Tell' at BYU|url=https://www.newsweek.com/mormonism-do-ask-do-tell-byu-98007|magazine=[[Newsweek]]|date=April 29, 2007}}</ref>

Until 2021, there were not any LGBTQIA+ – specific resources on campus, though there is now the Office of Student Success and Inclusion.<ref name="Inside">{{cite news|last1=Kerr|first1=Emma|title=Inside Gay Students' Fight to Be Heard at BYU|url=https://www.chronicle.com/article/Inside-Gay-Students-Fight/243487|newspaper=[[The Chronicle of Higher Education]]|date=May 22, 2018|quote=There are no institutional means of supporting students or educating professors on LGBTQ issues.{{nbsp}}... USGA, is forced to meet in a local library because the university does not support or sanction its existence. Students in the group say they've been told it will never be allowed on campus.}}</ref><ref name="USA Today">{{cite news|last1=Gleeson|first1=Scott|title=Could BYU's LGBT Policies Really Deter Big 12 Move?|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/big12/2016/08/09/byu-usga-lgbt-big-12-conference-expansion/88446494/|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=August 10, 2016}}</ref><ref name=Blade>{{cite news |last1=Levesque |first1=Brody |title=BYU announces Office of Belonging; LDS Elder attacks LGBTQ+ people |url=https://www.washingtonblade.com/2021/08/27/byu-announces-office-of-belonging-lds-elder-attacks-lgbtq-people/ |newspaper=[[Washington Blade]] |publisher=Brown, Naff, Pitts Omnimedia, Inc. |date=August 27, 2021}}</ref> Though the ban on coming out was lifted in 2007, LGBTQ BYU students are at risk of expulsion for any same-sex romantic expression including hugging and handholding.<ref name=Ban/><ref name=Wings>{{cite news |last1=Chavez |first1=Nicole |title=People dressed in angel wings shielded LGBTQ students attending BYU from protesters |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/07/us/byu-lgbtq-students-tensions-reaj/index.html |work=[[CNN]] |date=8 Sep 2022|quote=For years, queer students couldn't be open about their identities for fear of violating the university's student honor code, which is based on LDS principles. That changed in 2020 but the honor code still bans them from dating in public, holding hands and kissing their partners.}}</ref><ref name=Stinging>{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Alicia |date=March 5, 2020 |title=Mormon Church delivers stinging rebuke to BYU students with letter stating homosexual behavior is 'not compatible' with its principles |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/05/us/byu-homosexual-behavior-not-compatible-trnd/index.html |publisher=[[CNN]]|quote=If same-sex couples were seen hugging, holding hands, kissing or dating in public, they'd risk an investigation by the feared Honor Code Office, as well as punishment at their church or expulsion from school.}}</ref> Before 2021, queer students were banned from meeting together in an [[Gay–straight alliance|LGBTQ–straight alliance]] group on-campus.<ref name="Assault">{{cite news|last1=Alberty|first1=Erin|title=Students: BYU Honor Code leaves LGBT victims of sexual assault vulnerable and alone|url=http://www.sltrib.com/news/crime/2016/09/01/students-byu-honor-code-leaves-lgbt-victims-of-sexual-assault-vulnerable-and-alone/|access-date=August 13, 2017|newspaper=[[The Salt Lake Tribune]]|date=August 16, 2016|archive-date=August 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814060933/http://www.sltrib.com/news/crime/2016/09/01/students-byu-honor-code-leaves-lgbt-victims-of-sexual-assault-vulnerable-and-alone/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Struggles">{{cite news |title=LGBTQ group struggles for recognition at Mormon-run BYU |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/lgbtq-group-struggles-recognition-mormon-run-byu-n888961 |work=[[NBC News]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=July 5, 2018 |access-date=January 14, 2019 |archive-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206205421/https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/lgbtq-group-struggles-recognition-mormon-run-byu-n888961 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Decided">{{cite news |last1=Tanner |first1=Courtney |title=LGBTQ students wanted to start a club. Three years later, BYU still hasn't decided if the group will be recognized. |url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/education/2018/07/02/lgbtq-students-wanted/ |newspaper=[[The Salt Lake Tribune]] |date=July 2, 2018 |access-date=January 14, 2019 |archive-date=December 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181227202757/https://www.sltrib.com/news/education/2018/07/02/lgbtq-students-wanted/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Effects on sexual assault reporting====
Current policy assures that victims "will not be disciplined by the university for any related honor code violation occurring at or near the time of the reported sexual misconduct unless a person's health or safety is at risk."<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://universe.byu.edu/2017/04/27/byu-title-ix-honor-code-change-sexual-assault-investigations/|title=BYU's Title IX office, Honor Code office change how they investigate sexual assault – The Daily Universe|website=universe.byu.edu|date=April 27, 2017|language=en-US|access-date=August 13, 2017|archive-date=August 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811182018/http://universe.byu.edu/2017/04/27/byu-title-ix-honor-code-change-sexual-assault-investigations/|url-status=live}}</ref>  In 2016 and 2017 the Honor Code, in light of identified potential conflicts with [[Title IX]] obligations, was extensively reviewed and updated.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/trial-begins-for-orem-man-charged-with-raping-byu-student/article_628949cf-2f26-5d79-a60f-c7ca96b3d2fb.html|title=Trial begins for Orem man charged with raping BYU student in 2015|first=Katie England Daily|last=Herald|website=Daily Herald|access-date=September 21, 2018|archive-date=February 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216211901/http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/trial-begins-for-orem-man-charged-with-raping-byu-student/article_628949cf-2f26-5d79-a60f-c7ca96b3d2fb.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>  Criticism of past policy pointed to conflicts the policies and enforcement created for survivors of sexual assault. Beginning in 2014 and continuing through 2016, some students reported that, after being sexually assaulted or raped, they were told they would face discipline because of honor code violations for consensual sexual relationships in violation of the policy that came to light during the investigation of reported sexual assaults.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/30/mormon-rape-victims-shame-brigham-young-university|title="You're a sinner": how a Mormon university shames rape victims|last1=Hern|first1=Maria L. La Ganga Dan|date=April 30, 2016|last2=ez|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|access-date=May 1, 2016|archive-date=April 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430182533/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/30/mormon-rape-victims-shame-brigham-young-university|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2016/04/29/Petition-aims-to-shield-sex-abuse-victims-from-punishment-over-Mormon-colleges-honor-code/2161461966972/|title=Petition aims to shield sex abuse victims from punishment over Mormon college's honor code|website=UPI|access-date=May 1, 2016|archive-date=April 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430182617/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2016/04/29/Petition-aims-to-shield-sex-abuse-victims-from-punishment-over-Mormon-colleges-honor-code/2161461966972/|url-status=live}}</ref> Criticism has been leveled that this atmosphere may prevent other students from reporting sexual assault crimes to police, a situation that local law enforcement have publicly criticized.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/byus-honor-code-is-making-victims-of-sexual-assault-afraid-to-tell-police-2016-4|title=BYU's honor code is making victims of sexual assault afraid to tell police|website=Business Insider|access-date=May 1, 2016|archive-date=May 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501223935/http://www.businessinsider.com/byus-honor-code-is-making-victims-of-sexual-assault-afraid-to-tell-police-2016-4|url-status=live}}</ref> In response, the Victim Services Coordinator of the Provo Police Department called for an amnesty clause to be added to the Honor Code, which would not punish sexual assault survivors for past honor code violations discovered during the investigation. BYU launched a review of the practice,<ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/article/provo-officer-says-byu-honor-code-punishes-victims|title=Utah Police Official Condemns BYU Honor Code in Wake of Sexual Assault Protests: "It Keeps Victims from Coming Forward"|website=[[People (magazine)|People]]|access-date=May 2, 2016|archive-date=May 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503111034/http://www.people.com/article/provo-officer-says-byu-honor-code-punishes-victims|url-status=live}}</ref> which concluded in October 2016.<ref name="KUTV changes">{{cite web |last=Neugebauer |first=Cimaron |url=http://kutv.com/news/local/byu-to-change-how-it-reports-sexual-assaults-on-campus-effective-immediately |title=BYU changes how it reports sexual assaults on campus, effective immediately |work=KUTV |date=October 26, 2016 |access-date=November 13, 2016 |archive-date=November 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113175552/http://kutv.com/news/local/byu-to-change-how-it-reports-sexual-assaults-on-campus-effective-immediately |url-status=live }}</ref> BYU announced several changes to how it would handle sexual assault reports, including adding an amnesty clause, and ensuring under most circumstances that information is not shared between Title IX Office and Honor Code Office without the victim's consent.<ref name="KUTV changes"/>  In June 2017, the policy was further revised to affirm that "BYU strongly encourages the reporting of all incidents of sexual misconduct so that support services can be offered to victims and sexual misconduct can be prevented and stopped."<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/24/us/brigham-young-university-rape-amnesty-policy/index.html|title=BYU changes policy for handling sex assaults|author=Dakin Andone|website=CNN|date=June 24, 2017|access-date=August 13, 2017|archive-date=August 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813220502/http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/24/us/brigham-young-university-rape-amnesty-policy/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Culture and activities ===
{| class="wikitable floatright sortable collapsible"; text-align:right; font-size:80%;"
|+ style="font-size:90%" |Undergraduate demographics as of Fall 2020
|-
! Race and ethnicity<ref>{{cite web|title=College Scorecard: Brigham Young University|url=https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?230038-Brigham-Young-University|publisher=[[United States Department of Education]]|access-date=May 8, 2022|archive-date=June 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615185235/https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?230038-Brigham-Young-University|url-status=live}}</ref>
! colspan="2" data-sort-type=number |Total
|-
| [[Non-Hispanic whites|White]]
|align=right| {{bartable|81|%|2||background:gray}}
|-
| [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic]]
|align=right| {{bartable|7|%|2||background:green}}
|-
| Other{{efn|Other consists of [[Multiracial Americans]] & those who prefer to not say.}}
|align=right| {{bartable|5|%|2||background:brown}}
|-
| [[Foreign national]]
|align=right| {{bartable|3|%|2||background:orange}}
|-
| [[Asian Americans|Asian]]
|align=right| {{bartable|2|%|2||background:purple}}
|-
| [[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]]
|align=right| {{bartable|1|%|2||background:pink}}
|-
! colspan="4" data-sort-type=number |[[Economic diversity]]
|-
| [[American lower class|Low-income]]{{efn|The percentage of students who received an income-based federal [[Pell grant]] intended for low-income students.}}
|align=right| {{bartable|14|%|2||background:red}}
|-
| [[Affluence in the United States|Affluent]]{{efn|The percentage of students who are a part of the [[American middle class]] at the bare minimum.}}
|align=right| {{bartable|86|%|2||background:black}}
|}
BYU was ranked by [[The Princeton Review]] in 2008 as 14th in the nation for having the happiest students and highest quality of life.<ref name = pr>{{cite web |title= 2008 Best 366 Colleges Rankings |publisher= The Princeton Review |year= 2008 |url= http://www.princetonreview.com/college/research/rankings/rankingDetailspr07.asp?categoryID=6&topicID=43 |access-date= January 21, 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080315163144/http://www.princetonreview.com/college/research/rankings/rankingDetailspr07.asp?categoryID=6&topicID=43 |archive-date= March 15, 2008 |url-status= dead }}</ref> The Princeton Review has also ranked BYU the "#1 stone-cold sober school" in the nation for 22 consecutive years,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Anderson |first1=Colton |title=BYU ranks No. 1 'Stone-Cold Sober School' for 22nd straight year |url=https://universe.byu.edu/2019/08/12/byu-ranks-no-1-stone-cold-sober-school-for-its-22nd-year/ |access-date=12 September 2021 |date=12 August 2019 |archive-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912155611/https://universe.byu.edu/2019/08/12/byu-ranks-no-1-stone-cold-sober-school-for-its-22nd-year/ |url-status=live }}</ref> most likely due to students' adherence to the university's Honor Code. Additionally, according to the [[Uniform Crime Reports]], incidents of crime in Provo are lower than the national average, with murder classified as very rare and robberies are about 1/10 the national average.<ref>{{cite web |title=Provo UT Crime Statistics (2006 Crime Data) |publisher=Areaconnect.com |url=http://provo.areaconnect.com/crime1.htm |access-date=January 21, 2008 |archive-date=September 6, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080906132017/http://provo.areaconnect.com/crime1.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>  In 2016, ''Business Insider'' rated BYU as the #1 safest college campus in the nation.<ref>{{cite web |last=Loudenback |first=Tanza |url=http://www.businessinsider.co.id/safest-college-campuses-in-america-2016-1/26/ |title=The 25 safest college campuses in America |work=Business Insider |date=January 13, 2016 |access-date=February 19, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216060401/http://www.businessinsider.co.id/safest-college-campuses-in-america-2016-1/26/ |archive-date=February 16, 2016  }}</ref>

[[Fraternities and sororities]] are prohibited at BYU,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bitterman|first=Sara|date=April 17, 2014|title=#TBT: 12 things BYU doesn't have anymore|url=https://universe.byu.edu/2014/04/17/tbt-12-things-byu-doesnt-have-anymore/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308065923/https://universe.byu.edu/2014/04/17/tbt-12-things-byu-doesnt-have-anymore/|archive-date=March 8, 2021|access-date=December 14, 2021|website=[[The Universe (student newspaper)]]}}</ref> so most on-campus student activities and clubs are organized by the BYU Student Service Association ([[BYUSA|BYU SA]]), the university's official [[student association]], or by campus wards and stakes (official religious divisions with student leaders, budgets, and regular activities). Other groups such as comedy troupe Divine Comedy are sponsored by academic departments. BYU also sponsored a question-answering service known as the "100 Hour Board" where anyone with an account could ask a question, with topics ranging from academic questions to questions about relationships or church doctrine,<ref>{{citation |title= About Us |url= http://theboard.byu.edu/about/ |publisher= The 100 Hour Board |work= TheBoard.BYU.edu |access-date= October 29, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131030155649/http://theboard.byu.edu/about/ |archive-date= October 30, 2013 |url-status= dead }}</ref> and it was answered in 100 hours by pseudo-anonymous BYU students.<ref>{{citation |first= Ashley |last= Morgan |date= October 4, 2004 |title= 100 hour board know-it-alls known to nobody |url= http://universe.byu.edu/2004/10/04/100-hour-board-knowitalls-known-to-nobody/ |newspaper= [[The Universe (BYU)|The Universe]] |access-date= October 29, 2013 |archive-date= September 22, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200922154707/https://universe.byu.edu/2004/10/04/100-hour-board-knowitalls-known-to-nobody/ |url-status= live }}</ref> In its early days, it was affiliated with ''[[The Universe (BYU)|The Universe]]''.<ref>{{citation |first= Phillip |last= Pierce |date= September 19, 2006 |title= 100-Hour Board Finds New Home |url= http://universe.byu.edu/2006/09/19/100hour-board-finds-new-home/ |newspaper= [[The Universe (BYU)|The Universe]] |access-date= October 29, 2013 |archive-date= September 22, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200922154844/https://universe.byu.edu/2006/09/19/100hour-board-finds-new-home/ |url-status= live }}</ref> The 100 Hour Board is now scheduled for archive with its last answer being posted in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-08-24|title=The 100 Hour Board|url=https://100hourboard.org/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824000047/https://100hourboard.org/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2021-08-24|access-date=2021-12-15}}</ref>

BYU's [[Ernest L. Wilkinson Student Center|Wilkinson Center]] serves as the hub for entertainment on campus and includes a bowling alley, a movie theater, and an eatery.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wilkinson Center things to do |url=https://wsc.byu.edu/things-to-do |access-date=12 September 2021 |archive-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912152455/https://wsc.byu.edu/things-to-do |url-status=live }}</ref> BYU's Outdoors Unlimited service provides rental and repairs for recreational equipment to help students take advantage of nearby outdoor activities like mountain biking, backpacking, rafting, and skiing.<ref>{{cite web|title=Outdoors Unlimited |url=https://outdoors.byu.edu/|access-date=12 September 2021}}</ref>