BYU students have just learned that US Vice President Dick Cheney will be speaking at BYU commencement ceremonies on April 26. In the past, speakers at BYU commencement have been members of the Quorums of the Seventy or the Twelve and other church leaders. By inviting Dick Cheney to speak at commencement, BYU has allowed for the perception that BYU students, administration, and staff are in favor of Cheney and the Bush admininstrations' actions.

BYU is also clearly breaking its own policy which states "The essential functions of the University require strict institutional neutrality, integrity, and independence regarding partisan political activities. This is especially important at BYU where perceived partisanship is often interpreted as Church endorsement. This policy is designed to protect the neutrality of the University and the Church in the course of political activities that involve members of the campus community or University facilities and resources."

BYU and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have always maintained a policy of strict political neutrality and having one of the most controversial political figures in the United States speak, not in a forum where students are able to question the speaker, but at Commencement, is an implicit (it not explicit) violation of this policy.

This is not merely a facebook group for liberals, this is a group for anyone who opposes the contradictions in BYU's policy and favours a politically equal and unbiased institution.

Please keep discussion reasonable and logical. Do not make personal comments about others. If others make comments about you, please refrain from lowering yourself to that level and retorting in a like manner. (read less)

BYU students have just learned that US Vice President Dick Cheney will be speaking at BYU commencement ceremonies on April 26. In the past, speakers at BYU commencement have been members of the Quorums of the Seventy or the Twelve and other church leaders. By inviting Dick Cheney to speak at commencement, BYU has allowed for the perception that BYU students, administration, and staff are in favor of Cheney and the Bush admininstrations' actions.

BYU is also clearly breaking its own policy... (read more)