Brigham Young University has a rape problem, with a report by the Salt Lake Tribune confirming several occurrences of gay and bisexual students enduring rape. Not only that, but these victims are often punished, suspended, and even expelled from the university just for reporting rape by someone of the same gender.
Brigham Young University is a private research university that is owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It is an influential religious university in the United States, with an honor code founded in “gospel principles.”
BYU’s honor code forbids homosexual behavior, calling out physical intimacy as some sort of deviant behavior. The university’s gay and bisexual student body are gridlocked when they report sexual abuse, with the school pointing out the victim’s violation of the honor code.
There was an instance where a student told a school bishop about his rape, which only resulted with the bishop giving him two egregious options – for the victim to repent, or be reported for acting out on homosexual behavior. The student, named Andy, chose to atone by accepting the honor code, which was followed by intrusive questions about the sexual attack. Instead of proper justice, he was provided with biblical readings. Andy was eventually suspended from attending school activities, holding a job on campus, and acquiring housing.
Why Do Colleges Punish Rape Victims?
One of the reasons why sexual assault on campuses is allowed to proliferate stems from the school’s ability – or inability – to privately handle charges without police intervention. Title IX is a piece of legislation that requires universities to combat sexual discrimination within its institution. Ideally, Title IX is supposed to create an inclusive environment, ensuring equal access to education and preventing sexual violence.
Unfortunately, this gives a university the opportunity to have a direct influence when it comes the outcomes of these reports, with many universities apparently more interested in protecting their image rather than seeking justice for their students. This has allowed many universities to treat rape victims as nothing more than a nuisance who can potentially jeopardize the school’s reputation.
Is BYU Enabling Rape?
The Tribune has reported several stories with similar results to Andy. BYU’s ability to penalize rape victims may inadvertently increase sexual violence. Rapists will now know that the victims will face discipline if they inform school officials. Not only will rape victims of BYU be afraid of potential perpetrators, but they will feel locked between a rock and a hard place since they will know that the school will not support them.
BYU is not only violating Title IX, but they are violating the trust between the university and its LGBT students. The federal government is currently investigating BYU for its mishandling of rape reports.
Featured image is screengrab from video.
