Brigham Young University Issued Statement About Sexual Assault And Title IX Processes On Campus

Brigham Young University, Provo-Utah

Brigham Young University cares deeply about the safety of our students. When a student reports a sexual assault, our primary focus is on the well-being of the victim. BYU also promotes the safety and well-being of its students through its Honor Code, which is a commitment to conduct that reflects the ideals and principles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Our goal in every situation is to give students the support that they need and safeguard their educational environment. A student who reports a sexual assault is immediately referred to the Title IX Office. The student then has the option to meet with a coordinator, is provided written information about their rights and options, and is offered resources and services based on their individual situation. A Title IX investigation is never conducted to harass or re-traumatize a victim. A victim of a sexual assault will never be referred to the Honor Code Office for being a victim of sexual assault. Sometimes in the course of an investigation, facts come to light that a victim has engaged in prior Honor Code violations.

The university recognizes the inherent tension, in some circumstances, in these two important parts of BYU’s efforts to create and maintain an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of the Church. In all Honor Code proceedings, the university strives for fairness, sensitivity and compassion, taking into account all mitigating facts and circumstances. At the same time, BYU has zero tolerance for students who commit sexual violence. The university’s overriding concern is always the safety and well-being of its students.

Today the university issued the following statement:

We understand the concerns that have been expressed about the reporting of sexual assaults to our Title IX Office, and we care deeply about the safety of our students. We have decided to study these issues, including potential structural changes within the university, the process for determining whether and how information is used, and the relationship between the Title IX Office and the Honor Code Office.

Under the direction of the university president, the issues will be closely studied. He will call on resources both inside and outside of the university to study all aspects of our process.