Calendar creator appeals diploma decision

The Las Vegas entrepreneur excommunicated by the Mormon church after publishing a calendar featuring shirtless returned missionaries on Friday appealed a decision by Brigham Young University to withhold his diploma.

Chad Hardy was told that his July excommunication from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made him ineligible for graduation. He had participated in the school's August commencement ceremonies.

In a letter sent Friday to the office of Norman Finlinson, executive director of BYU's Student, Academic and Advisement Services, Salt Lake City attorney Stephen C. Clark demanded the school award the diploma or hold a formal appeals process, which Hardy never had.

Failing to give Hardy a fair hearing could prompt legal action, Clark's letter said.

BYU spokeswoman Carri Jenkins confirmed receipt of the letter Friday, but said she could offer no further comment.

School officials have said in the past that to be in good standing, students are required to be in compliance with a school honor code that dictates conduct and behavior standards.