Should BYU's Davies have been suspended?

As to the consequences — we also take for granted that these were explained and understood before the original commitment was made. Should there be some recourse? Of course. But whatever are the ultimate consequences — even after recourse — they do not invalidate the original commitment and his swearing to it.

The Rev. Richard Albarano

St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church

Burbank

If there were such a thing as an Episcopal university, (though I think there is actually one in Tennessee), the only violation of its honor code might be not being able to handle yourself at sherry hour. My tradition looks far more kindly on secular ethical norms; we even pride ourselves on being worldly folks and socially “normal” at the same time we're devoted to walking spiritual paths. BYU's code is far stricter than any we would ever discuss, much less enforce.

Yet I'm supportive of their decision to suspend Brandon Davies. For better or worse, he decided to attend a university with an honor code. He signed it; he knew what was expected and required of him. If the demands of an honor code aren't followed and/or enforced, there's no point in having one. “Do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath, but let your yes be yes and your no be no, that you may not fall under condemnation” (James 5:12)

It's refreshing that BYU didn't wink and look the other way. It's impressive that they're willing to let one person's actions affect the whole community — which is the reality of human interdependence and ethical behavior. I applaud the administration for modeling the same integrity they expect of their students and not compromising the values they've chosen to uphold for the sake of worldly success.

It could be that this incident will fuel a re-examination of BYU's honor code to see how realistic its requirements are. That's entirely up to them; no outsider can suggest such a thing. All we can do is nod in bemused approval — this wouldn't be the code I'd suggest and definitely wouldn't be a code I'd sign; but hey, if that's their honor code, kudos to them for sticking to it.

The Rev. Amy Pringle
St. George's Episcopal bChurch
La Cañada

It seems to me that this incident is one of respecting a religious university (Brigham Young University) and its honor code, the terms and conditions to which all students (not just star basketball players) are asked to agree.