A series of investigations has highlighted concerns that Brigham Young University's Honor Code Office may be penalizing students who report sexual assaults. Students at the Provo-based university allege that while Title IX offices are intended to protect against sex discrimination, reports made to these offices frequently trigger Honor Code investigations into the victims' own conduct.
According to multiple students, the involvement of the Honor Code Office means that reporting an assault can lead to punishment if the victim was found to be in violation of university rules, such as using drugs or alcohol, breaking curfew, or engaging in prohibited sexual contact prior to the attack.
One student, Madi Barney, stated that her future enrollment at BYU was placed on hold pending an Honor Code investigation following a rape allegation that led to a criminal case in Provo. Barney noted that she had proposed an immunity clause for victims to prevent a hostile environment, but expressed frustration with the university's claim that investigations are separate.
University spokeswoman Carri Jenkins stated that a student will never be referred to the Honor Code Office specifically for being a victim of sexual assault and emphasized that Honor Code proceedings are independent from Title IX investigations. However, students like Madeline MacDonald and others reported that their cases were forwarded to the Honor Code Office during the investigation process.
The reports also suggest that predators may use the threat of Honor Code reports as a tactic to silence victims. Provo Police Sergeant Brian Taylor noted that the potential for school discipline creates a strong disincentive for victims to come forward, effectively providing a safe haven for abusers.
In one instance, a student known as Julie reported being raped and threatened with an Honor Code report by her neighbor if she contacted the police. Similarly, a student referred to as Emily stated that a Title IX coordinator informed her that her case would be forwarded to the Honor Code Office, and that the outcomes of both investigations were linked.
The controversy has led to significant community response, including an online petition with more than 110,000 signatures calling for an amnesty clause in the BYU Honor Code to protect sexual assault victims. BYU has announced it is considering structural changes to its handling of sex-crime allegations and has invited suggestions through a new website.
