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BYU's 'Cloak Boy' — Student surprised by support after some objections to his folk singing
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Not a surprise | 12:45 a.m. March 26, 2008
I heard about cloak boy, and it made me laugh, then I realized that I knew him
and it made me laugh even harder. I wasn't surprised at all when I put the
two together. Props to cloak boy for asserting his right to be himself,
regardless of how unusual or different it may seem!
Gus | 1:03 a.m. March 26, 2008
BYU needs to lighten up on this guy. This guy is just being himself. We should
all take a lesson.
BYU Student | 2:32 a.m. March 26, 2008
As one who actually sees "cloak boy" on a regular basis, I think
he's creepy and I'm glad he's not singing anymore. It was
disturbing the peace.
Comments continue below
Nadiesabe | 2:42 a.m. March 26, 2008
Nathan is one of the coolest kids ever. I still remember in FHE when he told us
about the letter that he wrote to BYU.
BYU Alum | 3:01 a.m. March 26, 2008
BYU is a unique place--and Cloak Boy is typical of some of the students who make
it so unique. I remember the medieval club battling with wooden swords that I
passed each night as I went to the H-FAC. Cloak Boy appears to be the musical
version of the medieval club.
writesong | 3:12 a.m. March 26, 2008
I hope the Church sends this kid on a mission where he can use his talent.
John Robert Mallernee | 4:08 a.m. March 26, 2008
I really like this kid!
He reminds me of myself, when I was younger.
Before I learned to accompany myself on guitar, I spontaneously sang acapello, all the time, everyplace I went.
I grew up imitating what I heard on the radio.
I hope the Church will send him on a special mission where he can use his talent, and I hope BYU will also help him further enhance his talent.
Years ago, I was a volunteer at Ricks College (since renamed BYU-Idaho), reading to the blind over the campus radio.
I would sit out on the lawn, strumming my guitar, and singing all sorts of songs, as I solicited students to also volunteer to read to the blind.
I was questioned by police a couple of times, but they didn't stop me from singing, and yes, there were some students who protested the police bothering me.
I found it all to be rather amusing.
Today, I'm the official bard of my Scottish clan, living in the Ol' Soldiers' Home in Washington, D.C.
If anyone's interested, there are a few amateur videos on the Internet of me performing my original compositions.
He reminds me of myself, when I was younger.
Before I learned to accompany myself on guitar, I spontaneously sang acapello, all the time, everyplace I went.
I grew up imitating what I heard on the radio.
I hope the Church will send him on a special mission where he can use his talent, and I hope BYU will also help him further enhance his talent.
Years ago, I was a volunteer at Ricks College (since renamed BYU-Idaho), reading to the blind over the campus radio.
I would sit out on the lawn, strumming my guitar, and singing all sorts of songs, as I solicited students to also volunteer to read to the blind.
I was questioned by police a couple of times, but they didn't stop me from singing, and yes, there were some students who protested the police bothering me.
I found it all to be rather amusing.
Today, I'm the official bard of my Scottish clan, living in the Ol' Soldiers' Home in Washington, D.C.
If anyone's interested, there are a few amateur videos on the Internet of me performing my original compositions.
Legal Beagle | 4:51 a.m. March 26, 2008
BYU didn't come down hard on Cloak Boy. The Campus Police merely warned
him that IF his singing disrupted classes or disturbed students trying to study,
he COULD be cited for disturbing the peace. The police were responding to calls
from students concerned about the young man's mental state, and were
probably relieved that he was "normal." Cloak Boy was not cited, and
as the police spokesman stated, he is free to sing whenever he wants as long as
it does not disrupt in the manner described above. So where is the story here?
This incident is the equivalent of being told "sssh! Or you'll be
asked to leave the library" by a librarian. The police warned him because
the police are responsible for enforcing an environment conducive to studying
and safety. Nobody was harsh with the Cloak Boy and no one infringed his
freedom of expression, so again, where is the story here? What an immature
overreaction by fellow students and the news media for making him into a
martyr/hero when nothing was done to him by anyone.
That cloak pass the honor code? | 5:27 a.m. March 26, 2008
The guy can sing all he wants, but that doesn't mean his behavior
isn't looney. It's great he can be himself, but when this guy is 40
and he shows up at church in his cloak, I don't see many people coming to
his defense.
David | 5:47 a.m. March 26, 2008
With the terrible shooting tragedies that have occurred across this nation,
I'm glad that the police take time to investigate complaints. While I have
no problem with his singing (as long is it is not derogatory or disruptive), I
think it was appropriate by the police to see if there was a potential safety
concern on campus.
Give Him A Break | 6:10 a.m. March 26, 2008
Yeah I agree. It seems that the recent shootings have everyone worried about
small things. Let's all take a breath and let the man sing.
Marky | 6:07 a.m. March 26, 2008
Nothing to see here, move along.
Did you read the article? The police got some complaints, they checked it out for safety reasons, then said that the guy could keep singing, as long as it didn't cross the line into causing problems for other students. BYU did everything right.
Did you read the article? The police got some complaints, they checked it out for safety reasons, then said that the guy could keep singing, as long as it didn't cross the line into causing problems for other students. BYU did everything right.
thompson | 6:07 a.m. March 26, 2008
At first I thought it was silly and over-the-top for the police to talk to Cloak
Boy, but the officer is right. What if the man had ended up going on a shooting
spree in the JSB and there had been a record of students getting in touch
because they were concerned about his mental health? It's a bit odd, but
it's been established as just odd, and that's that.
Boy George | 6:18 a.m. March 26, 2008
Another example that BYU is a good place to get an education, so long as you can
put up with the scrutiny and pettiness of toeing the line and fitting in. Keep
it up, Cloak Boy!
Richard E | 6:46 a.m. March 26, 2008
Part of the 13th LDS Article of Faith is reprinted below:
If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
Cloak Boy's singing appears to me to be all of the things described above, so I cannot understand why the administration at BYU does not 'seek after these things' and encourage this brave young man to continue his singing.
If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
Cloak Boy's singing appears to me to be all of the things described above, so I cannot understand why the administration at BYU does not 'seek after these things' and encourage this brave young man to continue his singing.
Anonymous | 6:42 a.m. March 26, 2008
This kid is destined for American Idol.
JK | 6:49 a.m. March 26, 2008
Go Cloak Boy! It can be difficult to find ways to express yourself within the
parameters that the Church sets up, whether at BYU or on a mission. I'm
glad he found a way to do it, and I'm glad he hasn't been hauled in
for re-assimilation.
Good ol BYU | 7:00 a.m. March 26, 2008
Go to UVU. You can be yourself and still have the good LDS atmoshpere.
Anonymous | 7:12 a.m. March 26, 2008
What a loser.
JDS | 7:34 a.m. March 26, 2008
What would the Savior do? Well I'm pretty certain He would have
acknowledged the young man's talents, expressed His love and sat down and
listened to the music for a while. Even IF the person were unstable, the Savior
would have difused him with positive recognition. What happened to Jesus when
He "disturbed the peace"? Oh yes, he was accosted by the local
police...
Anonymous | 7:43 a.m. March 26, 2008
I was surprised to hear how old cloak boy is. I thought maybe BYU has a 5 year
old enrolled.
Debbie | 7:47 a.m. March 26, 2008
I hope this young man will reconsider and start singing again. This is what we
need more of in the world. It is not going against authority now that police
have "done their thing" and investigated the situation. And students
worried about his mental health? They're the ones who should be checked
out. They have successfully squashed creativity and clean entertainment. I
encourage going outside the box and nothing he did was illegal, immoral or
contrary to BYU code of ethics.
Sing on!
Sing on!
Chaos Theory | 7:49 a.m. March 26, 2008
Police, (some)attorneys etc... thrive on chaos, Chaos provides a job for them,
therefor it is in their best interest to create and perpetuate it. This would
include citing an attention craving hobbit.
byugrad | 7:43 a.m. March 26, 2008
Um, am I the only one here who thinks this guy is weirdo? Forget the singing for
a minute, what about the cloak? That is clearly not normal. Does he wear his
cloak on dates, to church, at work?
Awesome! | 7:54 a.m. March 26, 2008
Funniest article ever! (Go Wonderboy)!
uncannygunman | 8:03 a.m. March 26, 2008
Are you getting articles from The Onion now?
Go Cloak Boy Go!
Go Cloak Boy Go!
obviously | 8:14 a.m. March 26, 2008
this behavior needs to be nipped in the bud before you have hippies and wierdos
camped all over campus with their blankets and cloaks and beads making schreechy
whiney music.
Go Cloak Boy | 8:32 a.m. March 26, 2008
When I was in Junior High we had to do something interesting for English class -
I sang and it got me started on singing during lunch where the kids would throw
money usually pennies and nickels. I had days that I made good money. I was
never stopped not even by the teachers. I stopped on my own when the school year
ended. Let the young man sing. He is spreading joy.
blw1138 | 8:28 a.m. March 26, 2008
Of course he doesn't wear his cloak on a date--Frodo never got married.
I have cousins who spontaneously burst into songs at restaurants, and apparently do this elsewhere, and it is extremely embarassing. It's also annoying to their roommates. I would probably make a detour around Cloak Boy, and keep my eye on the exits.
I have cousins who spontaneously burst into songs at restaurants, and apparently do this elsewhere, and it is extremely embarassing. It's also annoying to their roommates. I would probably make a detour around Cloak Boy, and keep my eye on the exits.
bookgirl | 8:30 a.m. March 26, 2008
I knew "Cloak Boy's" parents at BYU. His father wore a cloak and
carried a staff. We thought it was odd as well, but those of us who knew
Jonathan and Laurel found them creative, highly productive, nonconventional, and
true to themselves and the Gospel. No one, to my knowledge bothered him, unless
they themselves were unstable.These very creative, interesting people loved
science fiction, writing and math. They married, currently teach at the
University of Wisconsin, and taught their love of difference and personal
expression to their family. Nothing wrong here, just different. If the worst
thing Nathan does is sing and wear a cloak then remember D&C 25:12 and if
you know the song maybe join in. And Nathan if you read this say hello to your
parents from Terry and MeLinda.
who cares | 8:33 a.m. March 26, 2008
Cloak boy? Sounds more like a super hero's sidekick than anything else.
This type of news should only belong in the schools newspaper.
Only in Provo . . . . | 8:41 a.m. March 26, 2008
Wow!
jd | 8:36 a.m. March 26, 2008
Here's a quote from BYU's dress and grooming standards, which all
students must sign before entering school: "Hairstyles should be clean and
neat, avoiding extreme styles or colors, and trimmed above the collar leaving
the ear uncovered." In the photo it appears he may not be in compliance.
Maybe no big deal, but perhaps another way in which he is pushing against the
fences. You may not like the standards, but once you promise to keep them, your
integrity is at stake.
Carl | 8:38 a.m. March 26, 2008
Please tell me that this was published before April Fool's Day. This has
to be a joke! Cloak-boy? Only at the BYU.
Why not study? | 8:46 a.m. March 26, 2008
Why is he singing in between classes instead of studying? That will get him
farther than his singing.
Lasertrac | 8:44 a.m. March 26, 2008
The latest episode at BYU is indicitive of a larger problem that exists in the
LDS Church. A mental disability among certain "well meaning" control
freak members dead set against anything or anyone who doesn't fit the
"mold". BYU hasn't changed a bit since I went there nearly 20
years ago. Spy Stasti who report anomymous tips about individuals who might
dare bring the bursting of the bubble in Utah County. I suppose the jailers
guarding the Prophet Joseph thought him mad when he and others sang hymnals
while imprisoned. What have we become as a people when such innocent acts are
even worthy of news or the investigation by campus police? There are those in
the church who are quickly becoming like the Nephites of old supposing they were
righteous when in reality their sins were greater than those they judged.
Crathes | 8:53 a.m. March 26, 2008
As I read the various responses of people calling this young man a weirdo, etc.
I am reminded of the fact that Mormons are like Pringles - each unique in the
exact same way. If you do not fit the safe, boring, white shirt mold, you are
considered wrong. I just love the diversity of BYU. It runs from "A"
all the way to "B", and back again.
Is it any wonder that the Mormon "church" has stopped growning?? At least it will have a nice shopping mall!
Is it any wonder that the Mormon "church" has stopped growning?? At least it will have a nice shopping mall!
wear the ring, Frodo! | 8:56 a.m. March 26, 2008
then no one will be able to see you and trample on your right to sing. Folk
music bursting forth from thin air, how groovy. (p.s. get a haircut)
David Glick | 8:53 a.m. March 26, 2008
People were concerned about his "mental health"? Get a grip people.
Every day, I see plenty of people singing, dancing, banging drums, whatever, as
I ride the subways here in New York. Can't say as I have ever been
concerned about their "mental health". Nor have I ever felt
threatened.
My suggestion: lighten up. Learn to enjoy life and the incredible diversity that exists in the varied people and personalities on this earth.
My suggestion: lighten up. Learn to enjoy life and the incredible diversity that exists in the varied people and personalities on this earth.
bergstro | 9:02 a.m. March 26, 2008
"Some people even gathered on campus to belt out camp songs in front of the
Joseph Smith Building to prove their point."
Wow, this is some serious civil disobedience! Have these students forgotten that they attend BYU, not UC Berkeley? What's next, Tevas without socks? Braided belts that aren't turned down? Think about the kind of example this is setting for the children!
Wow, this is some serious civil disobedience! Have these students forgotten that they attend BYU, not UC Berkeley? What's next, Tevas without socks? Braided belts that aren't turned down? Think about the kind of example this is setting for the children!
Ute Bill | 8:57 a.m. March 26, 2008
Only at BYU. Guy is a weirdo. He wants attention.
Interesting | 9:00 a.m. March 26, 2008
I find it interesting and quite telling that so many of the LDS faith scream for
acceptance by the rest of society, but when a person dresses differently or has
the audacity to sing in public that he's branded a freak, weirdo or a joke.
These comments just proove the point that BYU is nothing more than the LDS
church's answer to the Stepford Wives. Cookie cutter people, no
individuality or you'll be the butt of the jokes. Nice.
Hambster | 9:05 a.m. March 26, 2008
I think that it's insane that this issue has generated this much of an
uproar, but it is BYU. Strange issues make big news there. Still and all, this
article doesn't bring it up, but Nathan was told at one point to stop
singing or he would be issued a citation. Now that the Deseret News is asking
questions, the authorities are changing their expression a bit and saying that
he can sing as long as he doesn't create a disturbance. The thing is, are
they defining that as any single student making another complaint? I think that
Nathan should keep singing, but if one person whining about him means he gets a
ticket, then that doesn't seem like the police are letting him sing if he
wants to. It still sounds like the police saying "If you sing, we will
cite you."
To: Lasertrac | 9:02 a.m. March 26, 2008
Read the article. He can still sing. This isn't even newsworthy, the
Desnews is trying to create a story where there isn't one. He wasn't
even cited!
John Robert Mallernee | 9:04 a.m. March 26, 2008
I just now thought of something.
This kid is a math geek?
Then, LEAVE HIM ALONE!!!
We desperately NEED more math geeks!
There ain't enough of 'em.
Let him grow his hair long, wear a cloak, and sing his heart out.
This kid is a math geek?
Then, LEAVE HIM ALONE!!!
We desperately NEED more math geeks!
There ain't enough of 'em.
Let him grow his hair long, wear a cloak, and sing his heart out.
I admire cloak boy! | 9:04 a.m. March 26, 2008
How sad for any of you that think that he is weird or "not normal" who
is? It is refreshing to see him be and do what he wants! Just because YOU think
you have to act and look like everyone else to be alright and accepted. Quit
judging others and being mean just to feel superior. Wealth, greed, beauty and
acting "normal" does not equal happiness just take a look at the movie
stars and their lives!
Honor code? | 9:08 a.m. March 26, 2008
BYU students adhere to a strict honor code when it comes to appearance both in
dress, and haircut standards. So tell me, how can this dude get away with
wearing this Frodo-cloak, and be considered in compliance with the conservative
honor code...and my brother who attends BYU can't even wear a neat and well
kept goatee on his face? Seriously! To have a beard or moustache of any sort,
you have to have a "beard card" issued to you from the school, and you
must carry it on your person so as to show you have permission to wear facial
hair. Something SO SMALL and trivial, yet you have to carry a BEARD PERMIT. So
tell me....how does this dude get away with wearing such BIZARRE attire drawing
attention to himself on campus?
Jeff | 9:10 a.m. March 26, 2008
This story has been going around the campus paper like crazy and one of my fears
was it making the local papers. i am embarrassed.
sffilk | 9:11 a.m. March 26, 2008
The BYU police need to get a life. If more people would sing just for the fun
of it, just think what a better place this world would be.
I happen to sing quietly while I listen to music on my iPod. It's fun. And it's not illegal.
I happen to sing quietly while I listen to music on my iPod. It's fun. And it's not illegal.
Anonymous | 9:18 a.m. March 26, 2008
why is this in the newspaper?
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BYU student Nathan Langford talks about his former habit of singing outside the Joseph Smith Building on campus.
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