I didn’t think that I could be surprised anymore by some of the judgmental attitudes here at BYU. I was wrong. For those of you who didn’t have the pleasure of reading the “Barefoot blunders” letter to the editor on Thursday, let me recap. On Tuesday, March 23rd, The Daily Universe featured a picture of a girl chillin’ out on the grass between classes, enjoying the weather barefoot. The writer of the letter claims that he does not want to “judge the young lady in the picture,” but continues by calling her “wayward” and describing the behavior using such words as “demoralization” and “unruliness.” Citing the Honor Code rule that states: “Shoes should be worn in all public campus areas,” the author accuses The Daily Universe of promoting disobedience, tolerating demoralization and promoting subtle unruliness. He continues by asking, “Is Babylon slowly sneaking into the University though The Daily Universe?” Is this guy serious?
I don’t think that I need to say much in aversion to this letter; it is obvious to everyone I have spoken with. When did we start judging people who take off their shoes to walk on the grass? I must have missed that transition in the church. The Honor Code rule is for safety and respect, mirroring the well-known “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Service” motto at gas stations. Don’t you think we are taking things too far when begin condemning students for taking their shoes off in the grass or essentially calling the newspaper to repentance for featuring such a picture and not rebuking the student in the process. I mean, seriously? I encourage everyone to take their shoes off and walk in the soft grass between classes. Enjoy God’s carpeting! Take this guy with you — he needs to chill-out more than anyone.
Erin Shepard
Lindsay Shepard
Lisa Isenbarger
“Barefoot in” Champaign, IL
