Reader comments
BYU students decry demise of Women's Research Institute
100 comments | Read story
Women's research Institute? | 8:59 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009
Because money is tight and since there isn't money enough to fund
everything, some things have to be dropped. You can argue all day about what is
more important and what should or should not be cut, but cuts are needed.
Yet another PR disaster | 2:05 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
for BYU and the Church. So hundreds of millions of dollars can go to football,
but the Women's Research Institute is just too much...I guess the Lord has
spoken...Who knew he had such mixed priorities.
byu | 5:21 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
is short on money?
hhaha hahah ahahahahha
girls, yah got cut by the boys. That's the story. Get back in line and mind your p's and q's.
and yes, please walk behind us 3 steps
hhaha hahah ahahahahha
girls, yah got cut by the boys. That's the story. Get back in line and mind your p's and q's.
and yes, please walk behind us 3 steps
Comments continue below
Re: Yet another PR disaster | 7:31 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
The LDS church does not funnel money to the football program. Rather, the
athletic programs at BYU are self sustaining.
But I know where you are coming from. Any way at all to bash BYU and the LDS church, regardless of what the facts are, is a good thing, right?
But I know where you are coming from. Any way at all to bash BYU and the LDS church, regardless of what the facts are, is a good thing, right?
Paul Plumb | 7:42 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Is BYU short of money? Probably - I know the church has less - people have less
to give. I service pianos for them in Ontario, Canada and in the fall we usually
tune 23 pianos. This year we tuned only 4 and the reason was the money
available.
Is football more important than women's issues? Absolutely - and that's true at UCLA, and Notre Dame, and every other community in the country. It has nothing to do with the LDS church. My wife certainly doesn't walk 3 steps behind me.
Is football more important than women's issues? Absolutely - and that's true at UCLA, and Notre Dame, and every other community in the country. It has nothing to do with the LDS church. My wife certainly doesn't walk 3 steps behind me.
Jules | 8:52 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
BYU is NOT short on money. This is not the issue. They didn't even consult
the students in any way for this decision. The students are NOT happy. Save
BYU's Women's Research Institute! Facebook group has jumped from 1
person to over 600 in just a few days. There is a bigger problem going on here.
Jacqueline | 9:28 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
How close minded people have become... Why are people so threatened by the
education of woman? Did these people not go to the Greg Mortenson forum. Women
MUST be educated and unless we all realize that our society will continue to
crumble.
Why was this so hush hush? Because they knew what would happen if they opened it up for public discussion.
I am very disappointed, and will add my voice to those who stand in apposition to this decision!
PS: The Facebook group is now over 600 and growing!~
Why was this so hush hush? Because they knew what would happen if they opened it up for public discussion.
I am very disappointed, and will add my voice to those who stand in apposition to this decision!
PS: The Facebook group is now over 600 and growing!~
Anonymous | 9:50 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
I did not know the football program was self sustaining. When I read the article
my thoughts were like others--quit putting $$ into football and spread it
around. But thank you for the comment above that provides that insight.
True Believer | 10:18 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
University departments are communities of scholars in specific disciplines.
These departments facilitate faculty collaboration, which increases the quality
of research and courses of study for students. The Women’s Research
Institute provided such a community for over 80 affiliates studying women and
gender from across the university. Collaborations also were established with
scholars at other institutions, increasing WRI credibility at a national level
in the face of notions of many in the academy about the attitude toward women
at BYU.
Dissolving the Institute will destroy its community of interdisciplinary colleagues. Researchers will be isolated from each other, eliminating the programmatic research of the Institute involving multiple studies that build upon each other to produce findings on complex problems. Also, separating faculty engaged in research from those engaged in teaching will decrease the quality of both. Just as importantly, students will be deprived of interacting with teams of researchers, teachers, and other students addressing one of the most critical challenges of the 21st century: the need to improve women’s lives and increase their opportunities, which are now understood to be linked not only to peaceful relationships within families and societies, but even to peace between nations.
Dissolving the Institute will destroy its community of interdisciplinary colleagues. Researchers will be isolated from each other, eliminating the programmatic research of the Institute involving multiple studies that build upon each other to produce findings on complex problems. Also, separating faculty engaged in research from those engaged in teaching will decrease the quality of both. Just as importantly, students will be deprived of interacting with teams of researchers, teachers, and other students addressing one of the most critical challenges of the 21st century: the need to improve women’s lives and increase their opportunities, which are now understood to be linked not only to peaceful relationships within families and societies, but even to peace between nations.
The good ol boys club | 11:46 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Way to go, put those women in their place.
Do the church leader’s golf? Because they sure set this pr debacle up on a tee.
Do the church leader’s golf? Because they sure set this pr debacle up on a tee.
the truth | 12:02 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
The church has an image they have to keep up.
D&C 132 | 2:39 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
All you feminist out there, please read me.
20/20 Vision | 2:45 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
I have a daughter in the U of U Gender Studies program. If the BYU Womens
program was even 10% as filled with hatred of the white American male as the
U's program, the cut was way past due. I'll never understand exactly
how, but according to the U, I am responsible for Chinese girls being drowned,
Indian girls being aborted, African girls being sold into slavery, and Muslim
girls being forced into female circumcision. The very fact that I ask for proof
of how I did all of these things is proof enough for the man-haters.
What would you say if someone proposed a Mens Studies program at a major university? One that directed its curriculum exclusively at anti-female propaganda, and blamed the world's ills on women? The outcry would be nationwide, and I would gladly join the picket line.
As long as the term Womens Studies remains a code phrase for Man Haters, don't ask for my taxes or my tithing to support the program.
What would you say if someone proposed a Mens Studies program at a major university? One that directed its curriculum exclusively at anti-female propaganda, and blamed the world's ills on women? The outcry would be nationwide, and I would gladly join the picket line.
As long as the term Womens Studies remains a code phrase for Man Haters, don't ask for my taxes or my tithing to support the program.
Great move BYU | 3:16 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
I have two young daughters.
"The streamlining, which was not done to save the university money, Jenkins said, will split the workload between colleges, making the study of women's issues more of a global campus initiative, rather than the focus of a specific institute."
So it's about making the whole issue of women's studies fall under a bigger umbrella, getting more people involved, and going cross curricular, therefore creating a better program.
No wonder the small handfull of women running this program are complaining.
They will no longer be able to sit in classrooms and teach to the choir. They will actually need to begin to have a real discussion on the real issues that really do affect women. Wow, out of the hands of the feminists and into the hands of educators and researchers.
This will very much help women in the real world. I wish more Universities took this aproach, rather than placate special interest groups.
(I will give props to the BYU haters that have never been in a women's studies class, and attack to hate. Good to see people out there that have never been on a college campus share their views).
"The streamlining, which was not done to save the university money, Jenkins said, will split the workload between colleges, making the study of women's issues more of a global campus initiative, rather than the focus of a specific institute."
So it's about making the whole issue of women's studies fall under a bigger umbrella, getting more people involved, and going cross curricular, therefore creating a better program.
No wonder the small handfull of women running this program are complaining.
They will no longer be able to sit in classrooms and teach to the choir. They will actually need to begin to have a real discussion on the real issues that really do affect women. Wow, out of the hands of the feminists and into the hands of educators and researchers.
This will very much help women in the real world. I wish more Universities took this aproach, rather than placate special interest groups.
(I will give props to the BYU haters that have never been in a women's studies class, and attack to hate. Good to see people out there that have never been on a college campus share their views).
Anonymous | 3:20 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
re: Paul Plumb
What does tuning pianos have to do with this story?
re:byu | 5:21 a.m.
Walking 3 feet behind. Cute, but not an intelligent comment on an educational article.
re:The good ol boys club
Once again, what does this have to do with the article? Don't women golf also. Sexist comment.
re:the truth
???
What does tuning pianos have to do with this story?
re:byu | 5:21 a.m.
Walking 3 feet behind. Cute, but not an intelligent comment on an educational article.
re:The good ol boys club
Once again, what does this have to do with the article? Don't women golf also. Sexist comment.
re:the truth
???
John Pack Lambert | 5:48 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
This issue is not about money.
In fact, those who actual read the article will see that more actual funding will go to actual research under the new system.
The other issue is, as long as we treat women's studies as something that needs to be considered seperately we ghetoize it. If we want to recognize women as full members of the human race than we need to allow for restucturing.
I would have to say the facebook group is very unwise, and provides fodder for anti-Mormon rabble whatever its actual intent is.
University administrative decisions should be dealt with internally and not be creating pressure groups. This is especially true when a program will remain, when the Women's studies minor will still be around, and when it is just a change of system.
In fact, those who actual read the article will see that more actual funding will go to actual research under the new system.
The other issue is, as long as we treat women's studies as something that needs to be considered seperately we ghetoize it. If we want to recognize women as full members of the human race than we need to allow for restucturing.
I would have to say the facebook group is very unwise, and provides fodder for anti-Mormon rabble whatever its actual intent is.
University administrative decisions should be dealt with internally and not be creating pressure groups. This is especially true when a program will remain, when the Women's studies minor will still be around, and when it is just a change of system.
Female BYU grad | 8:40 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
20/20 Vision I think you hit the nail on the head! I want equal, not special
treatment. I never felt like I was discriminated against in any way by my
professors at BYU. It's not like the minor is being done away with either
(like the Bachelor of Social Work program).Women in college now outnumber men so
it's not like we're that disadvantaged.
Strengthening by eliminating? | 7:50 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
Am I the only one that thinks that "we're strengthening it by
streamlining it" sounds too Orwellian? And while those of you who commented
that spreading it out will lead to more honest dialogue (John Pack Lambert,
Great Move BYU) I can't help but think what this will actually do is kill
such dialogue.
I'm a graduate of BYU and went to a few of the events put on by the institute at the behest of my girlfriend. I enjoyed them and was more well-informed by every one. It's a shame BYU is cutting this program. Yet another way outsiders will think Mormon women are supposed to be barefoot in the kitchen. *sigh*
I'm a graduate of BYU and went to a few of the events put on by the institute at the behest of my girlfriend. I enjoyed them and was more well-informed by every one. It's a shame BYU is cutting this program. Yet another way outsiders will think Mormon women are supposed to be barefoot in the kitchen. *sigh*
Heather | 7:58 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
I'm saddened that BYU doesn't feel that women's research is
important enough to keep as its own organization. I can't understand how
"dispersing" it will strengthen and increase the quality of
women's research at BYU. As I'm an alumnus, BYU has lost my future
donations.
sylviaburkina | 8:06 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
I am an active member of the Church and I am deeply disappointed that BYU plans
to close the WRI. I often refer to the WRI to counter arguments that the Church
is sexist and misogynist. I also want my sacred tithing funds to support
education and research that strengthens families and shows the equal standing of
women in the Church. WRI was a great example of this work.
Male BYU grad embarrassed by thi | 8:06 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
How ever you try to explain it (money, globalization, strengthening, etc.) this
move is horrendous for BYU's academic reputation. While administrators
claim opportunities for women's research will grow, the rest of the
academic community will view it as church leadership squelching academic
freedom.
As a faculty member at another university, I worry about how BYU's reputation will be damaged here, and how my degree will be viewed by my colleagues. Every major academic institution in the United States has an organization like WRI. Now that BYU doesn't, how can it be considered on par with the best universities in the country?
As a faculty member at another university, I worry about how BYU's reputation will be damaged here, and how my degree will be viewed by my colleagues. Every major academic institution in the United States has an organization like WRI. Now that BYU doesn't, how can it be considered on par with the best universities in the country?
Bad for scholarship/bad PR | 8:09 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
To "20/20 vision," "Great Move BYU," and "Female BYU
Grad"--
The WRI is important for two reasons. One it provides money for research into topics not funded by other institutions on campus. BYU says that it will find a way to keep the research money flowing. That's terrific. Second, it brings scholars in different fields together so they can talk and their research can be better. Nothing's been announced that will replace that.
And the WRI being at BYU is important because it is insulated from the academic lockstep that plagues the U's gender studies programs and similar programs around the country. Gospel insights about the equality of men and women can inform research at the WRI . . . and only at the WRI. LDS scholars like Laurel Thatcher Ulrich have produced some of the best, most respected stuff on gender--the world needs the LDS perspective on how men and women are supposed to be equal partners.
Finally, the bad PR resulting from this will prevent many men and women who aren't LDS from discovering the true nature of our beliefs about gender and will hamper missionary work. It's as simple as that.
The WRI is important for two reasons. One it provides money for research into topics not funded by other institutions on campus. BYU says that it will find a way to keep the research money flowing. That's terrific. Second, it brings scholars in different fields together so they can talk and their research can be better. Nothing's been announced that will replace that.
And the WRI being at BYU is important because it is insulated from the academic lockstep that plagues the U's gender studies programs and similar programs around the country. Gospel insights about the equality of men and women can inform research at the WRI . . . and only at the WRI. LDS scholars like Laurel Thatcher Ulrich have produced some of the best, most respected stuff on gender--the world needs the LDS perspective on how men and women are supposed to be equal partners.
Finally, the bad PR resulting from this will prevent many men and women who aren't LDS from discovering the true nature of our beliefs about gender and will hamper missionary work. It's as simple as that.
Anonymous | 8:17 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
The WRI provided a lot of great services and it's sad to see it go. People
don't always see a lot of the discrimination against women that still goes
on today. BYU is still very chauvinistic whether or not they publicly advertise
this fact. My favorite professor is often told that she has to choose whether or
not she wants to be a mother or a professor, because clearly she can't do
them both well.
Just because we've made huge strides doesn't mean that there isn't still a problem.
Just because we've made huge strides doesn't mean that there isn't still a problem.
Linds | 8:21 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
I am a BYU grad and I participated in the Womens Studies program and was
benefited by the work of the WRI. I am very upset about the cut. You
don't see male-dominated programs being cut. This is not the image that
BYU or the LDS church wants to be sending to the world. The reality is that in
our society, women are still a minority in the professional working world.
Higher education, scholarly research, and the professions needs the skills and
expertise of women in order to forward the work of humanity and progress, now
more than ever. My life was truly blessed and my eyes were opened as to how I
can learn about and help women and educate myself on womens issues in the modern
world through WRI. It is a tragedy that other women will not have this
opportunity. It is time that BYU and the LDS church showed a true reflection of
their beliefs- that women are daughters of God and that we are all created in
His image and endowed with power and innate rights. Cutting WRI is pushing us
back decades and not accurately reflecting our beliefs.
BYU feminist- not man hater. | 8:23 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
It bothers me that some people assume that a woman's studies program just
teaches men hatred. I think that shows ignorance.
It also bothers me that people will take this as an excuse to criticize the church. BYU may be sponsored by the church but that doesn't mean it's the "Lord's university."
I think getting rid of WRI is a very bad PR move on BYU's part. I think most other school's in the nation would never even consider cutting their woman's studies program because they realize how it bad it would make them look.
Also, woman's studies is helping provide women with equal treatment. Women have been ignored for most of history, so really we're behind when it comes to studying women in literature, history, sociology, etc. We need a separate program to make up for centuries of neglect on that subject. If they had been included for all of time it wouldn't be necessary.
It also bothers me that people will take this as an excuse to criticize the church. BYU may be sponsored by the church but that doesn't mean it's the "Lord's university."
I think getting rid of WRI is a very bad PR move on BYU's part. I think most other school's in the nation would never even consider cutting their woman's studies program because they realize how it bad it would make them look.
Also, woman's studies is helping provide women with equal treatment. Women have been ignored for most of history, so really we're behind when it comes to studying women in literature, history, sociology, etc. We need a separate program to make up for centuries of neglect on that subject. If they had been included for all of time it wouldn't be necessary.
Really? | 8:28 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
The funding argument for closing the WRI is very weak, and really begs the
questions, "This is how we respect women? Really?" and "Why the
perception that women and their ideas are such a threat to whatever it is that
is threatened?" As to the statements that the WRI's work will continue
post-WRI through various avenues, dissolving the institute thoroughly dilutes
the impact of remaining women's studies efforts.
I de-facto support BYU through my tens of thousands of tithing dollars every year and as such demand more broadminded thoughtfulness from the administration on many matters, this one in particular. Actions like this ensure I will never support BYU with non-tithing contributions.
I de-facto support BYU through my tens of thousands of tithing dollars every year and as such demand more broadminded thoughtfulness from the administration on many matters, this one in particular. Actions like this ensure I will never support BYU with non-tithing contributions.
Former BYU Student | 8:30 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
This is not about money, even the BYU PR department admits this. I think this
move will definately be seen throughout the country as "putting the women
in their place". Did the church hire a new PR company? Because they seem
to be making a lot of PR mistakes recently.
WRI Advocate | 8:34 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
I worked at the WRI for years, and I think there are some basic misconceptions
about it that need to be addressed:
1. The WRI is NOT run by feminazi man-haters. It's run by thoughtful, committed, intelligent women dedicated to the often underserved population of women.
2. Look at the research coordinated by the WRI. WomenStats, women in Mali, women in science, healthy male-female relationships represented in children's stories, sex and violence, human trafficking in the U.S., the Emmeline Wells diaries, preventing the intergenerational transmission of violence. Without the funding and coordination of the WRI, these worthy and unique research projects WILL suffer. A $25000 grant, which is a pittance in the field of research, in no way can replace what is happening at the WRI.
3. The LDS Church elevates and values women. This is a bad PR move at its best, but blame the committee of 5 at BYU that decided the WRI needs "streamlining" (whatever the hell that means) and not the entire Church.
1. The WRI is NOT run by feminazi man-haters. It's run by thoughtful, committed, intelligent women dedicated to the often underserved population of women.
2. Look at the research coordinated by the WRI. WomenStats, women in Mali, women in science, healthy male-female relationships represented in children's stories, sex and violence, human trafficking in the U.S., the Emmeline Wells diaries, preventing the intergenerational transmission of violence. Without the funding and coordination of the WRI, these worthy and unique research projects WILL suffer. A $25000 grant, which is a pittance in the field of research, in no way can replace what is happening at the WRI.
3. The LDS Church elevates and values women. This is a bad PR move at its best, but blame the committee of 5 at BYU that decided the WRI needs "streamlining" (whatever the hell that means) and not the entire Church.
Saddened Student | 8:35 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
When I first came to BYU, the WRI gave me hope that BYU was a forward-thinking
school that at least gave a few funds towards women's studies. Now I am
frustrated by the university's continually sexist stance. I simply
don't understand; PR people can talk all they want about this move
'streamlining' women's research, but here's the truth: they
just GOT RID OF the Women's Research Institute. It was only here for 31
years! This really impacts my feelings towards my university.
D. Hampton | 8:53 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
I'm not sure what the practical effect will be on the University or if this
decision will actually "strengthen and streamline" anything. But,
people perceive the LDS church as treating women as second class citizens,
especially in any academic or professional sense. This will certainly only
serve to increase that perception. Based on my experience with BYU, I
personally think that this decision was probably cultural and has more to do
with people actually feeling that women in Academics are actually secondary. I
don;t think this is how the LDS church feels about this, but I do think it is
how much of BYU's administration feels. Sometimes I get the feeling that
people think, "Well, its kind of a waste of money if they are just supposed
to get married and have kids and aren't going to be using their degrees
anyway." That, I fear, was part of the reasoning behind de-prioritizing
the WRI. The "strengthening and streamlining" rational was in hopes
of avoiding the easily foreseen PR disaster. I wonder if any of the BYU
administrators will be open-minded enough to consider their choice may have been
wrong.
CatherineWO | 8:58 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
My thoughts are along the same line as True Believer and Male BYU grad. As a
graduate of BYU and women's history researcher, I am saddened by this
decision. My degree from BYU has brought me respect from colleagues in the past,
but this is truly an embarrassment. I understand the university's position
and will grant that it may be well-meaning, but it is so very short-sighted and
does not see the full picture of women's studies. There just is no other
department/organization/institute to replace what WRI was doing. Even if the
research can still be done with the new "streamlining," the loss of
this institute will leave a gaping hole in BYU's credibility amongst other
academic institutions.
WRI Alum | 9:31 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
I was a Woman's Studies minor and an employee of the WRI so BYU's
decision to close this institution is a tragedy for me. My time with the WRI has
affected every aspect of my life. I have had opportunities to grow
professionally because of the work I did at the WRI. I have a happy marriage
based on equal partnership, a model advocated by the church, due to the things I
learned in my classes. I love motherhood because it was validated as a feminist
choice. I am still an active, temple-recommend holding member of the church
because the women of the WRI showed me how to be a faithful, thinking woman. I
would have made different choices had it not been for the WRI.
The church is losing so many girls who feel the gospel is irrelevant to their lives. The WRI was the one institution at BYU that proved to me and thousands of other women the relevancy of our place as a women within the Mormon church. This is exactly the wrong message to send if you want to convince people that women have a place and voice within our religious institutions.
The church is losing so many girls who feel the gospel is irrelevant to their lives. The WRI was the one institution at BYU that proved to me and thousands of other women the relevancy of our place as a women within the Mormon church. This is exactly the wrong message to send if you want to convince people that women have a place and voice within our religious institutions.
Male BYU graduate | 9:34 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
I think that, in theory, spreading woman's research across a wider spectrum
of researchers and professors is an understandable attempt at expanding the
scope of what's being done at the WRI.
In practice, I believe that it will end woman's research at BYU. I don't think this because BYU professors hate women, I think this because the WRI created contingencies for specific professors that obligated them to get specific work done. With the contingencies diluted or removed (I'm not certain what BYU's specific plan is) and the burden of production not placed solely on the back of any single program or group of professors, it will be easy for any professor in any department to rationalize ignoring the topic completely. Professors in Education will still need to publish education research; as will professors in Chemistry, Biology, and Psychology. If conducting research in one field is a requirement and conducting research in another is optional, it seems fairly clear which research will not get done when family, deadlines, and church make strong bids for a professor's time. I hope BYU will reconsider their decision.
In practice, I believe that it will end woman's research at BYU. I don't think this because BYU professors hate women, I think this because the WRI created contingencies for specific professors that obligated them to get specific work done. With the contingencies diluted or removed (I'm not certain what BYU's specific plan is) and the burden of production not placed solely on the back of any single program or group of professors, it will be easy for any professor in any department to rationalize ignoring the topic completely. Professors in Education will still need to publish education research; as will professors in Chemistry, Biology, and Psychology. If conducting research in one field is a requirement and conducting research in another is optional, it seems fairly clear which research will not get done when family, deadlines, and church make strong bids for a professor's time. I hope BYU will reconsider their decision.
BYU Alum | 9:38 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
As a graduate of BYU I am very saddened to hear that the WRI is being cut. My
fondest memories at BYU and some of my best educational experiences are linked
to the work of the WRI. It allowed me to network with other strong LDS women and
to reconcile the beliefs of the LDS church and the role of women with the many
pressures placed on women in modern society. Since the LDS church campaigns for
family values, gender parity, and the divine nature of women, it makes little
sense that a research institute devoted to positive roles of women in society be
completely eliminated or scattered among other colleges and diluted to the point
of practical non-existence. The WRI is progressive and relevant in society and
to BYU students. It is a bad decision on the part of the university to cut it.
Man | 9:47 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
I find this decision incredibly disheartening. As a father of three girls, I
was hoping that sending my children to BYU would give them a chance to rival
getting an education elsewhere. Past changes in programming and the dissolving
of the WRI is showing me how little BYU cares for their students welfare and
more about the politics of the organization. I guess the money from my pocket
will have to go elsewhere. No loss on my end, just a loss of credibility on
BYU's.
UnansweredStudent | 9:48 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
It would be one thing to shut down a program and explain that it is because of
money, or this is because we don't have the [wo]man power to keep it going,
but it is another thing to do it secretly and not explain reasonings. The
council that shut it down briefly said that it was because of money, but a
program that has $25,000 annual funding at least is not short of money, and so
now the question is where will this money now go? Why did they not tell the
student body, consisting of 48% women, that this program would no longer be
around? It had to be found out through outside sources, through former students
involved in women's research around the world. This is where the real
problem is, is why does BYU have to be so secretive about getting rid of this
program. Are they doing something wrong? Was there a hope that they
wouldn't get caught? I am one of the nearly 15,000 women on BYU's
campus and I got the message clear that our numbers are not as important as the
rest.
Feminist man | 9:56 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
I am a man. I am a Feminist. I hold my title with the greats: Joseph Smith,
Gordon B. Hinckley, William Lloyd Garrison, and Plato. I am appalled by the
decision on BYU. How much more stereotypical can a University be. An all male
committee that did an internal review board decided that an all woman
organization was not meeting its goals, therefore it is to be absolved. I
don't understand how a decision could be made so irrationally. I am sorry,
but BYU needs more women in there to smarten them up a bit. This may go down as
the worst PA move by BYU in a decade.
But then again, if that is what they are going for, negative press attention, you asked for it. This issue has been manhandled at the water cooler at my work since monday, and will continue to be so if I have anything to do about it.
But then again, if that is what they are going for, negative press attention, you asked for it. This issue has been manhandled at the water cooler at my work since monday, and will continue to be so if I have anything to do about it.
WRI Student | 9:59 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
I need more money to do research! The 25000 grant is way less than what we have
seen in the past. Where is the benefit for students? Where is the benefit for
me? There is none with this change. Bring back the WRi!! It is never too
late.
Why the WRI? | 10:01 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
I wish people would actually take the time to find out what the WRI is before
posting hateful/ ignorant comments that are either anti-LDS or anti-WRI.
The WRI is not man-hating radicalism in the least. It was established in 1978 by Dallin H. Oaks and was fully supported by Jeffrey R. Holland and Barbara Smith (then president of the RS). Clearly, it's not in opposition to the Church. Faculty and students from all different disciplines and political backgrounds contribute to and benefit from this institute.
I am most disappointed with how hush hush this apparently year long process to determine the WRI's fate was kept, and the very limited people who were involved with the decision. I am also waiting to hear clearer answers that explain why this has happened. "Strengthen and streamline" is not enough. Also, Cecil Samuelson wasn't involved in the decision, so I would assume that those higher up (like the Prophet and thus the Church) aren't accountable. It was the academic VP and college dean.
I hope that if anyone of influence is reading these comments, he or she realizes the huge PR mess this has made.
The WRI is not man-hating radicalism in the least. It was established in 1978 by Dallin H. Oaks and was fully supported by Jeffrey R. Holland and Barbara Smith (then president of the RS). Clearly, it's not in opposition to the Church. Faculty and students from all different disciplines and political backgrounds contribute to and benefit from this institute.
I am most disappointed with how hush hush this apparently year long process to determine the WRI's fate was kept, and the very limited people who were involved with the decision. I am also waiting to hear clearer answers that explain why this has happened. "Strengthen and streamline" is not enough. Also, Cecil Samuelson wasn't involved in the decision, so I would assume that those higher up (like the Prophet and thus the Church) aren't accountable. It was the academic VP and college dean.
I hope that if anyone of influence is reading these comments, he or she realizes the huge PR mess this has made.
kdstentzel | 10:02 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
I am really disappointed in the BYU administration for allowing something like
this to happen. Like many readers have pointed out, the WRI has been around for
a LONG time and has made some pretty incredible contributions, not only to BYU,
but to the world. Since when has it ever been a good idea to cut any kind of
organization dedicated to research and social progress? How can BYU possibly
compete with other prestigious Universities if the world cannot see that it
respects and values women? By destroying the WRI, BYU (and the LDS church, by
the way) is sending a message to the world that women's issues don't
matter. As a BYU student, I have never been so ashamed to be a part of this
University. Please, BYU, save the WRI. You will seriously damage the image of
the church and this University if you get rid of this valuable research
institute.
Male WRI supporter | 10:07 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
The administration I think made a poor move on this. It has nothing to do with
the LDS Church.I think that the administration is telling the truth when they
say it is not about the money or trying to eliminate woman studies at BYU. But
there is a fundamental misunderstanding on how that research can and should be
strengthened. The Dean does not like interdisciplinary programs bottom line.
This ultimately was a poor academic decision that unfortunately will reflect
poorly on the LDS church.
The study of issues affecting women is inherently interdisciplinary. Even if it is true that there will be more money to study these topics it will not be as effective as it once was. And the WRI was always more than just the Woman Studies minor and the research. It was also a very powerful message to the world that the LDS church took women seriously. It was never a huge organization, but it was growing and now, just as it was gathering the needed momentum this happened. Truly a tragedy. But there is always hope right?
The study of issues affecting women is inherently interdisciplinary. Even if it is true that there will be more money to study these topics it will not be as effective as it once was. And the WRI was always more than just the Woman Studies minor and the research. It was also a very powerful message to the world that the LDS church took women seriously. It was never a huge organization, but it was growing and now, just as it was gathering the needed momentum this happened. Truly a tragedy. But there is always hope right?
mom of 4 | 10:22 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
Response to 20/20:
The very reason that the U of U (and other universities)has a "man-hating" women's program is exactly why BYU needs the WRI: it is not man-hating at all, and in fact promotes the best male-female relationship research and is totally in line with the family proclamation with it's goals. BYU could be the loudest voice in the academic world in support of the family and proper family relationships through the WRI - if they would keep it and support it, rather than try to undermine it. If the program was poorly run and accomplishing nothing good I could see why it needs cut - that makes no sense with the WRI - it has been highly respected nationally and internationally. We ought to remember the history of our Relief Society presidents and their work for women's rights.
The very reason that the U of U (and other universities)has a "man-hating" women's program is exactly why BYU needs the WRI: it is not man-hating at all, and in fact promotes the best male-female relationship research and is totally in line with the family proclamation with it's goals. BYU could be the loudest voice in the academic world in support of the family and proper family relationships through the WRI - if they would keep it and support it, rather than try to undermine it. If the program was poorly run and accomplishing nothing good I could see why it needs cut - that makes no sense with the WRI - it has been highly respected nationally and internationally. We ought to remember the history of our Relief Society presidents and their work for women's rights.
BYU student | 10:27 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
Let's imagine that the commitment to Women's Studies will "remain
strong" for a minute. Even if that were true, the fact that the
administration feels comfortable shutting down the Institute as it has
(furtively / as an afterthought) says a lot about the mindset of whoever
proposed the cuts and approved them. "We can probably cut the WRI —
we'll sweep it under the rug as fast as we can, and if someone catches us,
it will be worth taking the heat. It's only Women's Studies. Our
donating alumni won't care TOO much." Weird.
Jane Montgomery | 10:35 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
I live in Texas and I am in graduate school. I am a convert and have been a
member of the LDS Church for 46 years, since I was 19 years old. I find myself
sticking up for the church a lot, in many areas, but the area I get the most
grief about is how the LDS Church views and treats women. The decision to
dissolve the institute does make me uncomfortable. I feel this move will do more
harm than good. My big fear is that the positive benefits spoken of by the move
will only lead to a diffusion of the purpose the institute was founded for.
Money Talks | 10:41 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
Women's studies was never taken seriously at BYU or in the LDS Church. It
was a token program started up as a public relations game during the height of
the ERA movement so the Church could passify their critics by saying "see,
we have a Women's Research Institute"! When money gets tight, the
first things to go are the superficial programs to which the Church was never
truly committed anyway!
SLC gal | 10:45 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
Frankly, I'm suprised that BYU attracts women who are interested in getting
anything besides an M.R.S.
Wil E Kaiotay | 10:55 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
Why does the Y need a Womens reseach Inst? Isn't that what the lady cougar
soccer team and Relief Society are for?
How will this make BYU look? | 11:02 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
How will this make BYU look? That's the question most people are asking.
They also say that most universities would not cut their women's studies
institute because it would make them look bad. That's the problem with the
current politically correct culture.
What about actual education? BYU should be focusing on improving education, and not worrying about how cutting an institute might make the university look bad.
What about actual education? BYU should be focusing on improving education, and not worrying about how cutting an institute might make the university look bad.
Kate | 11:06 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
WRI has been a major influence in my life, and I am deeply saddened to hear of
its demise. The research that institute conducts affects women across the
world, including its own students. I know BYU law school has had an extremely
difficult time recruiting an adequate number of female students to its school,
but is that really any surprise, when the school itself shows its priorities by
taking away one of the most influential and powerful tools it has to help women
overcome obstacles in this man's world? Keeping the WRI open will not only
further the education of women, but it will stand as a concrete symbol to the
country and to the world that the Church holds women as a priority in society as
a whole, and doesn't just stop at giving them lip service.
knh808 | 11:32 a.m. Nov. 6, 2009
People have been discussing that this is good because of the streamlining and
dispersing. However, I feel that the facts are missing in this situation. 83
faculty members have been united under the leadership of the Women's
Research Institute. With the end of the Institute, 83 faculty are now dispersed
again. The women's studies minor was able to be run with no other
distractions of other majors and minors. Students were enriched by professors
from all over the country and world because the Women's Research Instiute
was able to bring them here. However, with the end of the Women Research
Institute these professors will no longer be able to come, and the minor will no
longer have the attention that it needs while a department with another major
and minor they are already running. All I want to know is who is going to fill
this void?
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
- Bruins blast past Utah 12:36 a.m.
- Utah Jazz game at a glance 12:27 a.m.
- Knicks defeat winless Nets 12:23 a.m.
- Iginla powers Flames to win 12:20 a.m.
- Editorial: Hold the line on taxes 12:19 a.m.
- Secularists and religious arguments 12:19 a.m.
- Credit cards: Friend or foe? Depends 12:19 a.m.
- Gay rights, Blue Dogs 12:19 a.m.
- Bibby sprains ankle at New Orleans 12:19 a.m.
- Civilian trial for accused terrorist 12:18 a.m.
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
- Can BYU throw vs. Air Force?
- Cougars cruise to victory in Hawaii
- Huntsman blasts media over trip
- Christian leaders not backing down
- Police link alcohol to murder
- TCU still has a chance
- Hall breaks BYU record with win
- Orem man acquitted in tot's death
- Religion cited in deportation fight
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
192 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah173
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?129
- Palin's book shows she's unqualified122
- Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case103
- BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.100
- Jazz finally win in San Antonio98
- Hall breaks BYU record with win95
- Utes knock off rival Aggies93
- Huntsman pleased with Obama87
A little after midnight Wednesday morning, about 21 hours ago as I write...
There's a lot of reason to leave your plastic home as you shop:
Latest comments
Beck is extremely smart, he is selling books and is very popular on TV. All...
@Mick, the Federal Govt is run by corporations through contributions and...
Lets bond together and hope for a REAL celebration SUnday night, can hardly...
I was on the playground too and some teachers came out and called us all to...
B.Y.U. has been a consistent a top 25 ranked winner under Max Hall. Hall has...
Did Timp win four in a row or 4 in 4 years?
You have a lot of growing up to do, It seems like you have not cxperienced...
The proposed ethics law puts roughly the same burden on a legislator that a...
Hall ACTUALLY broke the all timme wins record vs WYO last week. I guess...
Sounds to me like Kraig Powell may be a candidate for resignation. So long,...
Advertisements