By Sara Israelsen
As BYU students head back to school this fall, many freshman are learning about the Honor Code for the first time. Their lessons have been punctuated, however, by a real-life example of possible Honor Code violations, in the form of recent rape allegations against BYU football players.
According to police reports filed Aug. 9, players from the BYU football team allegedly raped a 17-year-old Provo resident on Aug. 8 after she drank shots of vodka with them in their apartment.
All these actions are against the Honor Code, and freshman Tij Von Nieda from Montana, said he wondered why athletes would come to a university where they couldn''t follow the rules.
'They signed up for it ,' Von Nieda said. 'They could have played somewhere else.'
But even if they did go to another university, Von Nieda added, this type of action would have been unacceptable no matter where they went.
For freshman Kevin Smith from Mesa, Ariz., the Honor Code was one of the main reasons to be at BYU.
'We respect the Honor Code,' he said. 'It''s why we came here. It helps you stay in the right place at the right time.'
The Honor Code gives instruction about the dress and behavioral code expected from BYU students, and clearly delineates actions that are not acceptable. Not only is the charge of rape against the Honor Code, but it is also a legal issue.
'Whether or not they get charged, remember the Honor Code is a level above the law,' said Jeffrey Pickerd, a freshman from Katy, Texas. 'BYU will still have to investigate the situation.'
Carri Jenkins, spokeswoman for BYU, said the university is continuing to receive information regarding the case.
'These are allegations of grave misconduct that we take very seriously,' Jenkins said. 'This matter has our full attention.'
In a written statement released by Head Football Coach Gary Crowton, he made the statement, 'Any time allegations of misconduct surface regarding our players, it''s a matter of serious concern for us.' He wrote that they would work with the university to do what is appropriate.
But despite the negative publicity, freshman Allen Tucker from Washington, said his opinion of BYU football hasn''t changed.
'It''s unfair to judge BYU by these guys,' he said.
Regardless of what happens with the current issue, many BYU students said they have realized the value of an Honor Code and the importance of living by its standards.
'The Honor Code is what sets BYU apart,' said Leslie Layton, a freshman from Sandy. 'If it''s not maintained, BYU will be just like every other university.'