And it’s not due to having very little extra money or dissapointment with my time at BYU. I rather enjoyed most of my time at BYU.
It is that time of year again, apparently, as I am asked through e-mail and over the phone to donate to BYU. So I’m going to put on record why I will not donate (not counting any tithing money that goes to BYU).
1. BYU’s shameful treatment of it’s prestigious and long running academic science fiction symposium LTUE. Some details are here, but those involved are too politic, hoping to get back into the good graces of BYU. Knowing many of the people involved, I’ve heard of verbal abuse from BYU admins about getting rid of the geeks and claims that BYU is tarnished by hosting a well regarded, highly attended, long running academic symposium that was partially founded by one of the best selling Mormon authors of all time.
2. No wrestling. Rather than comply with Title IX the hard way, BYU went the easy route and just eliminate a bunch of men’s sports. Given that we have several historical records detailing Joseph Smith love of and prowess in wrestling, this decision makes little sense, other than “we must protect football at all costs” (and considering the creation of a female wrestling team, given that the Olympics have Women’s wrestling, wouldn’t be all that difficult).
I originally wrote a much longer rant, but I’ve decided to cut it back as much as possible. Not that BYU cares about my money, as I am not a rich donor and likely never will be. But I figure if anyone needs to know, I will never donate to BYU until LTUE and Wrestling are returned and fully funded, I will not donate to BYU for any reason.