Concerns are mounting among faculty at Brigham Young University (BYU) as strict evaluations of loyalty to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints threaten academic freedom and job security. An exposé by the Salt Lake Tribune reveals significant abandonment by professors, particularly those supportive of LGBTQ+ rights, amid fears of retribution from church leaders.
This investigation arrives at a significant time, following recent remarks by Clark Gilbert, the church education commissioner, who drew attention for declaring to church affiliates, “we will not stand for a contrary opinion by professors.” Gilbert has since categorized faculty adherence to church doctrines, creating unease among many who feel their positions are at stake.
Some professors have opted to leave the institution, with many questioning the ability to express diverse views on sensitive subjects without risking their employment. Jason Bergman, trumpet professor and one of the recent departures, expressed frustration by stating, “BYU is not safe for anyone who doesn't fit the orthodox mold.” He left for Indiana University, citing discomfort with the increasingly restrictive environment.
Following Gilbert's edicts, the recruitment strategies at BYU have turned controversial. A contract now requires faculty members to support the church’s views on marriage, family, and gender explicitly—with some professors facing termination for their expression of supportive views toward feminism and LGBTQ+ rights. These actions are noted by Jeff Dotson, who remarked on the troubling shift from behavior-based standards to belief-based standards.
The Salt Lake Tribune investigation also revealed alarming trends correlational to these changes. Several long-standing faculty members have found themselves dismissed or pressured to resign after their social media activities came under scrutiny. This fear is rampant among BYU’s staff, many of whom feel they have been forced to conform or risk consequences for diverse thought.
At BYU, having public positions aligned with church policies seems to be nearly mandatory. Reports suggest multiple faculty members, including those with stellar records, have had contracts terminated due to their marriages or personal beliefs diverging from church doctrinal teachings.
BYU’s systematic clampdown raises questions about the institution's academic identity. Once celebrated as one of the leaders among religiously-affiliated academic institutions, recent changes may affect BYU's reputation and academic standing over time. The U.S. News and World Report rankings reflect this downward trend, as BYU fell from #61 to #109 nationally from 2017 to 2024, citing these internal crises as detrimental to attracting top talent.
Spokesperson Carri Jenkins defended the university’s rigorous policies, stating, “We are grateful to have employees who are deeply committed to the values and aims of a BYU education.” This statement resonates with those who favor orthodox values over pluralism and inclusivity.
Among those faculty members who bear witness to the current climate at BYU, many report feeling demeaned and marginalized. The sentiment of pervasive low morale has led some to abstain from incredibly enriching debates and conversations within their respective fields. “Low morale is pretty universal,” shared one senior faculty member, unable to speak on record due to fear of reprisal.
Reflecting on ethical quandaries, faculty continue to wrestle with how to negotiate their professional roles and personal beliefs. For many, this struggle manifests itself as emotional anguish, especially when personal lives intersect with church doctrine. Dotson's depictions of panic attacks linked to the pressures to yield to the church’s ideological demands encapsulated the real human toll on faculty members.
Despite the church’s public-facing rhetoric citing freedom and moral agency, the policies under Gilbert's reign indicate otherwise, trending toward higher adherence at the cost of personal quality of life. What feels like authoritarian shifts within the institution conjures up historical fears of episodes where dissenters were systematically rejected from BYU for failing to conform to established doctrines.
Such comparisons to the past resonate, as many academics within the BYU system recall efforts from former president Ernest Wilkinson, who’s tenure echoed suppression and conformity reminiscent of the current leadership climate. “It’s like stepping back to earlier days,” expressed one faculty member, highlighting the overlooming fear of dissent becoming hazardous.
With gripping personal narratives surfacing and academic institutions witnessing historical transformations, the path forward for BYU remains uncertain. The issues of academic freedom and employee rights are at the forefront as the university grapples with defining its identity within the exponential challenges forged by both societal progress and doctrinal fidelity. The long-term ramifications of these practices carry the possibility of deteriorated academic prestige and potential isolation of potential and existing faculty.