BYU Does It Again

Dear Student Body,

The moment I discovered that Brigham Young University had eliminated the Women’s Research Institute (four days after the press-release-that-wasn’t-really-ever-released) I was not disappointed. I didn’t chuckle at yet another embarrassing and damnable gaffe by my alma mater. No, I was incensed. As I read through the October 29^th declaration—a fitting anniversary if there ever was one—my anger and concerns were not quelled but rather much fuel was added to the fire. First was the statement that the entire WRI will be reduced to one scholarship, and all the rest of its (all too meager) funding will be given to the ORCA grant program, and that the Women’s Studies minor will be moved to the Sociology department. Second was the admittance and plea that BYU knows it is doing something wrong but begging to not be perceived as “not a friend to women and does not consider women’s issues to be important.” Furthermore, there is no mention of this major administrative action on BYU’s homepage, which currently discusses a popular film and the magical properties of Windex. There was no mention of this in the school’s newspaper. Why is the university keeping this quiet? Because the Board knows it will bring the worst kind of press. Because the Board knows this decision will negatively affect a significant percent of its population (the 2,691 students alone enrolled in the Women’s Studies minor constitute almost 10% of the whole). Because the Board wants to wield its authority with a heavy hand, hoping that the relatively docile mood and history of the student body not standing up for itself will be enough to curb major unrest. Sorry, Administration, that’s not happening this time.

Dear Administration,

As I am writing this, other letters to the editor are also being written. Flyers and shirts are being designed. Meetings and discussions have already been planned. Even Facebook profile pictures are being changed to an objection of the elimination of the WRI, and not in small number, either. The protest is already in embryo. I certainly hope that you treat the protesters with the respect and dignity that First-Amendment-protected men and women deserve, and that you do not censure and/or your brightest and most capable students. No explanation can absolve you. No admission of guilt will garner our pity and make us stop. Did you really expect us to be quiet about this?

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