From Deseret News archives:

24 arrested at BYU

Advocacy group stages 'die-in' on campus property

Published: Wednesday, April 12, 2006 9:11 a.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
PROVO — Brigham Young University police arrested 24 people, among them five current students, who participated Tuesday in a march and demonstration by a national gay-awareness group.

At the event, the group marched around the edge of campus and then staged a "die-in" on campus property near the university's main entrance, just past one of the university's icons — the sign "Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve."

"I'm not advocating a gay lifestyle," said one of the arrested students, Lauren Jackson, a freshman from Baxter, Tenn. "I've known people who have come out to me and who have struggled within the church. An anti-Christ-like attitude exists among many church members."

The students could face disciplinary action under BYU's Honor Code if university officials judge the march, organized by the group Soulforce, as advocacy of a gay lifestyle, which is contrary to the teachings of BYU's owner, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Jackson and her boyfriend, Alex Liberato, sought advice before the march from BYU Police Chief Larry Stott and the associate dean of student life, Jonathan Kau.

Story continues below
Stott told the students before the march that if arrested, they would be banned from campus for 72 hours, but he lifted the ban for three students at 10 p.m. Tuesday and said he'd meet with the other two early this morning to consider a similar action.

Jackson wrestled with the decision to be arrested because she had a quiz Tuesday afternoon and a test scheduled today.

The Honor Code Office reports to Kau, who told Jackson and Liberato they likely wouldn't face damaging sanctions.

"If you're actively advocating, as it says in the Honor Code, that might be a different matter," Kau added. "If you're asking if you're going to be expelled, I don't think so."

The marchers proceeded somberly and silently on a 42-minute walk past the LDS Missionary Training Center, the Marriott Center, Larry H. Miller Field and LaVell Edwards Stadium.

The procession ended at the campus entrance on the corner of Bulldog Boulevard and Canyon Road, where Soulforce conducted a rally to memorialize the deaths of 22 members of the LDS Church who committed suicide between 1965 and 2004.

Soulforce leaders read biographies of each of the gay men — 11 served LDS church missions and six were former BYU students or graduates. The rally included memorials for two other gay men who had ties to Utah or the LDS Church.

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

Image

Protesters carry lilies to represent LDS gays or lesbians who have committed suicide.

previousnext

Latest comments

I don't see the schools presidents voting to get rid of WYM or NM, even...

Big games keep UHSAA coffers full

why people complain about how football is covered by the media too much. when...

A little perspective is not a bad thing. Notice the Cougar's won loss record...

I actually was encouraged by some aspects of the game. Any Utah fan who has...

A story about Mormons as minorities? In this paper? Get over the "victim"...

she was an awesome woman someone i looked up to when i was younger she was...

Relieved Cougs prep for Falcons

Wow you just made one of the dumbest comments I've heard yet. Fire Bronco????...

Photos: A Royal welcome home

Re: Huh?, You like many other haters are probably oblivious to many obvious...

KJW. Are you serious? What more did you expect from Max Hall? World Peace?...

Relieved Cougs prep for Falcons

Pipe down! He's had three straight 10 win season and is on track for his 4th....

Advertisements
Advertisement