Things that made me happy this week:
1. Ive been requested to sub at a certain school a few times recently. Apparently I impressed the principal and now they ask for me all the time. Since I've roved throughout the school, I've visited every class and the kids now know me and love it when I get to sub in their room. Its nice to show up and get hugs from all the students.
2. Being referred to as "tall and slender" by a skinny girl. I think I just saw a pig fly past my window.
3. Sunday turned out to be a really nice family day. First, our neighbors sent over some homemade quesadillas and other mexican food for breakfast. Yummy. Then we went offroading with the kids and a friend of Megans. We stopped at a nice little spot in the woods and had lunch, followed by an improvised baseball game - complete with a branch for a bat and a mini soccer ball as the baseball.
Things that bug me:
1. Although I am adamently opposed to California's Prop 8, it was very annoying to read that the California Teachers Union donated 1 million dollars to the opposition. It kills me to think that the money couldve gone somewhere more useful, like maybe ummm... SCHOOLS. People are putting so much effort and money into this one cause when I think there are so many more important issues that need attention.
2. Megans friend came over yesterday and said that her sister almost got expelled for having a myspace site. Nothing bad on it. It was perfectly innocent. Just apparently against the rules of the private Catholic school they attend. Talk about sticking their nose where it doesnt belong. This is the school overstepping their academic boundaries and entering into what are supposed to be parental responsibilities, if you ask me.
3. I read that some BYU student got his degree taken away from him for taking calendar pictures of shirtless men, which is an honor code violation. Maybe I don't have all the info on this, but apparently the guy had already WALKED at graduation and was told months later that his degree (that had already been granted) would not be recognized by the school. This is an example of an institution abusing its power. What is the statute of limitations on this? What if a student gets his medical degree, and years later (after the student becomes a licensed doctor) the school finds out that he fathered an illegitimate child during this time? Is he suddenly stripped of his medical status?
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I heard about that incident as well. I attached a link to one article that described some of the circumstances surrounding the case. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/10/20/america/Shirtless-Mormons-Diploma.php. I would note that although he had finished his courses, his degree had not been granted, which I believe is an important distinction. As one who just graduated from BYU in April, they are very clear that having been approved for the graduation ceremony does not guarantee your diploma as you must remain in good academic and ecclesiastical standing and have no “holds” on your account. Every student who attends BYU, both LDS and non-LDS, both those on campus and those off campus, agrees to abide by the Honor Code. From what I have read, this student, Chad Hardy, had not taken courses on campus since 2002 and had not been active in the Church since that time either. He also was excommunicated from the church before receiving his degree (although he had completed his courses), which would require that his ecclesiastical endorsement be revoked.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that the timing is unfortunate for this guy. His life choices are his own, but so are his consequences when he has agreed to live by the BYU Honor Code to receive his college degree. I would take issue with this had his degree actually been granted, like your example of a doctor, but his degree had not been officially granted, so I think that BYU was within its rights.
BYU is a private institution so technically they are totally within their rights to do whatever they want. And this guy did more than take pictures of some shirtless missionaries. I guess he was excommunicated for failure to pay tithing and not really participating as a member. Although I still think that the calendar is the main reason for excommunication. Jake was a non participant and non-tithe payer for years and never got excommunicated. In fact, he had to send a certified letter practically begging for his removal.
ReplyDeleteAnd while they are technically within their rights, any outsider looking in can see that this is retaliation. Also, this doesnt fare well in the P.R. department.
I'm not trying to pick on BYU, but after reading this story it just hit a nerve. It's frustrating how invasive institutions (not just religious ones - even workplaces) are starting to become. Controlling as many aspects of your life as possible.
2. Being referred to as "tall and slender" by a skinny girl. I think I just saw a pig fly past my window.
ReplyDeleteI know that girl you are referring to. I think that coming from her that's a great compliment! :o)