Inside the Honor Code: My Experience at BYU

When I first stepped onto the campus of Brigham Young University (BYU), I had no idea that I was entering what could only be described as a surreal, highly controlled microcosm of Mormon culture.

For those unfamiliar, BYU is owned and operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and students are required to adhere to a stringent set of rules called the Honor Code. While this may seem like a straightforward concept, the layers of surveillance, control, and cultural quirks that define BYU life are anything but ordinary.

This article dives into the Honor Code—its rules, its implications, and its impact—through the lens of my own experience. Spoiler alert: it’s a wild ride.

What Is the Honor Code?

The Honor Code is a comprehensive set of rules that governs nearly every aspect of a student’s life at BYU. From dress and grooming standards to behavioral expectations, the Honor Code aims to ensure that students embody the church’s teachings both on and off campus. As part of this system, students are required to maintain an “ecclesiastical endorsement” from their local bishop, a church leader who essentially verifies their adherence to Mormon standards of morality and faith.

Sounds simple, right? Here’s the catch: the rules are as specific as they are invasive. For instance, students must abstain from alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee, and even certain forms of romantic behavior. Holding hands with someone of the same sex? Grounds for investigation. Staying over at a significant other’s apartment? Prepare for repercussions.

And the monitoring? It’s intense. There are three levels of enforcement: church leaders, university administrators, and—perhaps most distressingly—your fellow students.

Life Under the Honor Code

As a BYU student, you quickly learn to navigate an environment steeped in surveillance. One of the more infamous elements of the Honor Code is its culture of tattling. Yes, students are encouraged—explicitly or implicitly—to report each other for violations.

If your roommate sees you with a cup of coffee or notices you didn’t come home one night, they can file a report with the Honor Code office. What follows is often an intrusive investigation, sometimes involving interviews with roommates, classmates, and even church leaders.

The pressure to conform creates a suffocating environment, especially for those grappling with their identity or questioning their faith. LGBTQ+ students face particular challenges. While the broader church allows individuals to identify as LGBTQ+, acting on those feelings—even something as innocent as holding hands—is forbidden at BYU. Violating this rule can result in expulsion, leaving students with tarnished transcripts and lost years of education.

Dress and Grooming Standards: Policing Appearance

The dress and grooming standards are another hallmark of the Honor Code. Men must be clean-shaven, with neatly trimmed hair. Women are expected to dress modestly, avoiding form-fitting clothes, tank tops, and anything deemed “too revealing.” Even hair color is monitored: only “natural” shades are allowed.

When I was a student, a tiny streak of red in my hair caused gossip and concern. And the testing center? It serves as a checkpoint for these rules, where scruff or unconventional hairstyles can prevent students from even taking an exam.

Ironically, these rules often contradict the church’s own imagery—for instance, depictions of Jesus Christ invariably show him with a beard, yet beards are prohibited for male students unless they obtain a rare “beard waiver.”

BYU’s Complicated Relationship with LGBTQ+ Students

Perhaps the most troubling aspect of the Honor Code is its treatment of LGBTQ+ students. The history is bleak: from electroshock therapy in the 1960s to surveillance of gay bars in the 1970s, the university has a well-documented legacy of targeting queer individuals. While there have been recent efforts to provide support, such as the creation of the “Office of Belonging,” the rules remain fundamentally discriminatory.

Queer students at BYU walk a tightrope. They can’t engage in public displays of affection or even admit to romantic feelings without risking expulsion. This creates a culture of fear and suppression, leading to devastating consequences for mental health. Suicides among LGBTQ+ students have highlighted the need for systemic change, yet the university’s policies remain rooted in outdated doctrines.

Surveillance Culture: The Honor Code Office

The Honor Code Office is where reports of violations are investigated. It’s infamous among students for its invasive practices. Stories abound of students being called in for interrogations, often over minor infractions. In one particularly egregious case, a woman’s roommate secretly filmed her fiancé helping her lift a box into her bedroom. The video was submitted to the Honor Code Office, resulting in weeks of harassment and threats to cancel their wedding.

These stories aren’t outliers. Social media accounts like “Honor Code Stories” have documented countless experiences of students facing undue scrutiny and punishment, painting a grim picture of life under BYU’s surveillance.

Beyond the Honor Code: Broader Policies and Implications

The Honor Code is just one part of BYU’s strict environment. Policies on political neutrality and demonstrations further restrict students’ freedom of expression. Demonstrations that “contradict or oppose fundamental church doctrine” are explicitly prohibited. While other universities encourage open dialogue and debate, BYU’s policies effectively silence dissent.

Housing policies also play a role in maintaining control. For their first two semesters, students must live in BYU-approved housing, where curfews and other restrictions mirror the Honor Code. This creates a bubble of conformity, isolating students from the broader world.

My Takeaway: The Need for Change

Looking back, my time at BYU feels like a mix of nostalgia and frustration. On one hand, I met wonderful people and received a fairly solid education. On the other hand, the constant monitoring and rigid rules stifled personal growth and fostered a culture of fear. For students who are questioning their faith, grappling with their identity, or simply wanting a typical college experience, BYU is a challenging place to be.

The Honor Code’s rules—and the way they’re enforced—are relics of a bygone era. They prioritize appearances over genuine character and perpetuate harmful dynamics. While there have been incremental changes, such as the creation of LGBTQ+ support groups, much more needs to be done to make BYU a truly inclusive and supportive environment.

Want the Full Story?

If you found this article intriguing, you’ll love my in-depth video on BYU’s Honor Code, where I share even more personal stories and insights. From the absurdity of beard waivers to the heartbreaking realities faced by LGBTQ+ students, it’s a deep dive into the complexities of life at BYU. Watch it now on my YouTube channel, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support my work!