Any misconduct accusation at Brigham Young University – Idaho (BYU-Idaho) is serious. You aren't just any college student; you're a part of an institution whose top priority is morality. Being a BYU-Idaho student is a source of pride for you, your family, and your Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints community. When accusations are made against you, your entire academic career and reputation in the BYU-Idaho and church community can come crashing down.
You need to be ready to present a strong and effective defense from the start. The best way to do this is with the Lento Law Firm. Our Student Defense Team has helped students at BYU-Idaho and other Christian Education System (CES) colleges face misconduct allegations. Our attorneys understand the nuances of the disciplinary action process at CES schools and are experienced in defending students in these unique disciplinary action proceedings. Contact us today at 888-535-3686 or through our online form.
Misconduct Allegations at Brigham Young University – Idaho
There is no shortage of prohibited conduct at BYU-Idaho. As you know, BYU-Idaho has some of the strictest policies on student behavior compared to other colleges and universities throughout the country. At BYU-Idaho, misconduct falls into one of these categories: academic misconduct, non-academic misconduct, CES Honor Code violations, or Title IX violations.
Academic Misconduct
There are many forms of academic misconduct, or what BYU-Idaho calls academic dishonesty. Common academic misconduct accusations we see BYU-Idaho students facing include:
- Plagiarism
- Falsification or fabrication
- Cheating
- Bribery
- Unauthorized sharing of course material
- Unauthorized use of AI technology
Non-Academic Misconduct
Non-academic misconduct at BYU-Idaho is detailed in its Student Life Policies and Guidelines. Many prohibited behaviors at BYU-Idaho are the same as any other university, for example:
- Harassment
- Hazing
- Assault
- Disruptive behavior
- Use of drugs and alcohol
- Firearms possession
- Breaking the law
But BYU-Idaho also has numerous prohibited actions that are unique to CES schools. Such prohibited actions include:
- No co-ed overnight activities not sponsored by BYU-Idaho
- Not abiding by curfew and quiet hours
- Watching or viewing immoral, violent, or vulgar entertainment or media
- Overnight guests of the opposite sex
- Possession or use of pornography
- Failing to live in student-approved housing (unless students live at home with their parents)
- Violating opposite-sex visiting guidelines
Christian Education System Honor Code Violations
As a CES university, BYU-Idaho students are committed to abiding by the CES Honor Code. Violating the CES Honor Code can result in facing disciplinary action at BYU-Idaho. All BYU-Idaho students are likely familiar with all the provisions of the CES Honor Code, but as a reminder, if you fail to comply with any of the following, you could be in trouble:
- Maintain an Ecclesiastical Endorsement
- Be honest
- Live a chaste and virtuous life (including no premarital sexual relations, sexual relations outside marriage, and same-sex romantic behavior)
- Abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee, vaping, drugs, and other substances
- Regular church attendance
- Respect others
- Refrain from using profane or vulgar language
- Obey campus dress and grooming standards
Title IX Violations
Title IX violations are those that fall under the category of sexual misconduct. The types of sexual misconduct that are prohibited by federal law, and consequently at BYU-Idaho include:
- Sexual harassment
- Sexual assault
- Gender discrimination
- Dating violence
- Domestic violence
- Stalking
We will discuss more below how sexual misconduct at BYU-Idaho can have more than one meaning – it can be a Title IX violation or a CES violation.
Brigham Young University – Idaho Disciplinary Action Process
Many universities provide their students with extensive guidance, often tens of pages, on their disciplinary action process – that isn't how BYU-Idaho operates. BYU-Idaho's disciplinary action process, which it calls the investigation process, is brief. This means it is often unclear what rights a student has, how the process works, and what BYU-Idaho officials are and are not allowed to do during the process. BYU-Idaho also makes it very clear that it may deviate from the investigative process described on its website at any time.
The Lento Law Firm attorney will discuss the nuances of BYU-Idaho's disciplinary action process, but generally, the process will follow this path.
Investigation
Disciplinary action at BYU-Idaho begins with an investigation by the Student Honor Office. They will meet with you and allow you to explain your side of the story and present your case. Unlike many schools, BYU-Idaho doesn't offer you a hearing, mediation, or other opportunity to defend yourself.
Interim Action
BYU-Idaho officials may decide that taking interim action against you when the investigation is underway is necessary. You have the right to appeal any interim action with the Dean of Students. Common interim actions include:
- Temporary suspension
- Restricting access to classes
- Limiting access to student employment
- Restricting access to student-approved housing
- Restricting access to campus facilities
- Restricting access to university activities or programs
Determination
At the conclusion of the investigation, BYU-Idaho officials will determine your case. If they decide it is "more likely than not" that you committed misconduct, they will issue one or more of the following sanctions:
- Counsel and Education
- Warning
- Probation
- Participation in the Steady Upward Course
- Suspension
- Withheld suspension
- Expulsion
Appeals
In some cases, you will have the right to appeal BYU-Idaho's decision and sanctions. You only have five business days after you receive notice of sanctions, so it's important to contact the Lento Law Firm immediately. Our Student Defense Team can often get our student clients better outcomes on appeal.
Title XI Disciplinary Action Process at Brigham Young University – Idaho
Title IX is confusing at the average university, but it gets even more complicated at BYU—Idaho. Title IX is the federal law on sexual harassment and gender discrimination that applies to all colleges and universities in the country, including BYU-Idaho. Title IX misconduct cases work differently than other misconduct cases at BYU-Idaho.
The case will begin with your case being assigned to a Title IX Coordinator in BYU-Idaho's Title IX Office. They may try to informally resolve the case, but oftentimes, there will be a Title IX investigation followed by a hearing. It is crucial to the success of your case that BYU-Idaho officials abide by the law. Because the law is always changing and these cases are so different from how BYU-Idaho typically handles misconduct, you need the Lento Law Firm attorney to help. Our Student Defense Team is well-versed in all the changes to Title IX and defending student rights in Title IX proceedings.
As discussed above, because BYU-Idaho is a CES school, you have unique rules and prohibitions on sexual activities than the average college campus where sexual activity is often the norm. It is important to distinguish Title IX violations regarding sexual misconduct from what BYU-Idaho considers sexual misconduct under the CES Honor Code. If you are in violation of the CES Honor Code for sexual or same-sex romantic behavior, this doesn't count as a Title IX Violation.
Protect Your Future – Retain the Lento Law Firm Today
Don't let your standing as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and your academic career be tainted without a fight. Let the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team protect your rights, reputation, and future. Get started by calling us at 888-535-3686 or using our online form.
