Calendar creator still won't get BYU diploma

Brigham Young University has denied an appeal to award

a diploma that the creator of a Mormon beefcake calendar

says he earned.

Chad Hardy's diploma was withheld by BYU last fall after he was

excommunicated from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which owns

and runs the school. Hardy was excommunicated during the month between

completing his courses and graduation ceremonies.

Hardy appealed and met with Dean of Students Vernon L. Heperi on Feb. 13. In

the meeting, Heperi sought to determine whether Hardy's life is guided by the

school's honor code, which reflects the values of the LDS Church.

BYU requires students to be in academic and ecclesiastical good standing in

order to obtain a diploma. That includes keeping the tenets of a school honor

code that reflects the values of the church. Excommunication would leave a

student at odds with the honor code.

Hardy received a letter from Heperi on Monday, saying his appeal was

denied.

"I conclude that you have not demonstrated conduct and personal behavior in

harmony with the principles and values reflected in the honor code, including

the principles of living a chaste and virtuous life, respect for others and

participating regularly in church services," Heperi wrote.

Hardy, who said he was not surprised by the decision, had hoped BYU would end

the dispute and give him his diploma.

"They obviously are choosing to dig their heels in even deeper," he said.

The ruling ends Hardy's avenues of appeal with the school, however, he could

reapply for graduation if he regained his membership in the church.