Honor Code

Live a Chaste and Virtuous Life
A chaste and virtuous life encompasses many principles, including respect and self control as well as reserving sexual intimacy for marriage.

Inappropriate gender-based behavior
Respect for each individual as a child of God is fundamental to the atmosphere desired at BYU. Inappropriate gender-based behavior is contrary to the teachings of the LDS Church and the university's Honor Code. The Church teaches that observance of high standards of conduct in personal relationships is necessary to individual salvation. A breach of the university Unlawful Sexual Harassment and Inappropriate Gender-Based Behavior Policy is an Honor Code violation. The following are examples of inappropriate gender-based behavior or sexual harassment.

• Repeated stereotypical gender-based remarks
• Sexually oriented joking, flirting, or comments
• Unwelcome touching or any touching of a sexual nature
• Verbal or physical abuse
• Graphic, sexually-oriented comments about an individual's body
• Derogatory or demeaning comments concerning gender
• Offensive or crude language
• Display of objects or pictures which depict nudity or are otherwise sexual in nature
• Persistent and unwanted attempts to change a casual or friendly relationship into a romantic or more intimate one

Pornography and indecent material
Involvement with pornographic, erotic, obscene, indecent, or other offensive materials, expressions, or conduct which, in the sole discretion and judgment of the university, is inconsistent with the BYU Honor Code or with the principles of BYU's sponsor, the LDS Church, is a serious offense which may result in university sanctions including, in appropriate cases, termination from university employment, immediate suspension or dismissal from the university as well as prosecution pursuant to the law.

Computer pornography
Students are expected to avoid involvement with pornography. They must also understand that use of the BYU owned and operated computing network to obtain or distribute pornographic material constitutes an inappropriate use of the computer network. See the BYU Computer Network Patron Policy which describes expectations and potential actions in regard to this matter.

Sexual and similar misconduct
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and BYU affirm that sexual relationships outside the covenant of marriage are inappropriate. Examples include but are not limited to the following:

• Extra-marital relations
• Promiscuity or predatory behavior
• Aberrant behavior
• Solicitation of sex
• Homosexual conduct
• Cross-dressing

Any level of sexual or similar misconduct at BYU is significant and may lead to a separation from the university.

Homosexual behavior or advocacy
Brigham Young University will respond to homosexual behavior rather than to feelings or attraction and welcomes as full members of the university community all whose behavior meets university standards.  Members of the university community can remain in good Honor Code standing if they conduct their lives in a manner consistent with gospel principles and the Honor Code.

One's stated same-gender attraction is not an Honor Code issue.  However, the Honor Code requires all members of the university community to manifest a strict commitment to the law of chastity.  Homosexual behavior and/or advocacy of homosexual behavior are inappropriate and violate the Honor Code.  Homosexual behavior includes not only sexual relations between members of the same sex, but all forms of physical intimacy that give expression to homosexual feelings.  Advocacy includes seeking to influence others to engage in homosexual behavior or promoting homosexual relations as being morally acceptable.

Violations of the Honor Code may result in actions up to and including separation from the University.