And the rules shall set you free....

Some students are upset by Brigham Young University's housing policies concerning dorm parties and activities. The university requires students living in Heritage Halls to get permission from the Hall Advisor to host any dorm parties or events prior to their planning. While some students are indignant about these rules, claiming them to be restrictive and unreasonable, in truth they are for the benefit of the students and the protection of university property. By requiring the permission of the Residence Hall Advisor, the university ensures that the event will be appropriate and in accordance to university policy--namely the Honor Code. When my roomates and I attempted to promote a dance party in our kitchen, we were told by our R.A. that we had to get permission from the Hall Advisor. At first, we were frustrated and upset by this news; however, after having a Hall Meeting, our Hall Advisor laid out the reasons for such a rule which were not as ridiculous as we had assumed. She explained that all we had to do to host a dance party was to bring a list of the songs we wanted to play so that she could approve them as appropriate music in accordance with the BYU Honor Code, and that as long as we respected university property, we could be confident that she would approve such an event. By so doing we could be assured that we were not breaking other rules under the Honor Code, and that those present would not be compromising their standards either. Although the process may seem more tedious than one might like, the rules concerning dorm parties are in actuality there to be as insurance for the university and for the students in maintaining a community of integrity and a place where students can enjoy wholesome company without worrying about compromising their standards.