The university was recently the subject of an Education Department probe into a ban on same-sex relationships among students. “And every single person is willing to be arrested, if it means keeping LGBTQ students at BYU safe.” “Everyone that was up there was briefed that it is possible that they could be arrested,” Jerilyn Pool, a board member of the Pride Council in Provo, Utah, where BYU is located, told the Salt Lake Tribune.
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There were no arrests made or citations given despite police presence at the event, according to the podcast “Latter Gay Stories,” which also livestreamed the event. On Saturday, protesters ignored those warnings, ascending “Y Mountain” armed with flashlights to light the “Y” with the colors of the transgender pride flag. Under the policy, students and staff affiliated with the university may also be arrested for trespassing if they continue to demonstrate on school property after being directed to leave by “authorized university personnel or law enforcement.” Individuals who are not associated with BYU may be banned from school grounds or arrested for trespassing, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Current students, faculty, administrative employees, and staff who violate this policy may be subject to the university’s disciplinary processes,” the school’s demonstration policy reads.Īmerica is changing faster than ever! Add Changing America to your Facebook or Twitter feed to stay on top of the news. “The university may monitor and record Demonstrations for compliance with this and other university policies. Shortly after, the school, which is affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said it would take a harder stance on unapproved gatherings and demonstrations on university property, including the “Y”. The Utah school’s iconic “Y”, which sits atop the mountain overlooking BYU, was lit in rainbow colors by LGBTQ+ students and allies a year earlier to show support for the LGBTQ+ community and call out the university’s ban on same-sex relationships. LGBTQ+ allies on Saturday evening lit Brigham Young University’s (BYU) “Y” in pink, blue and white to show support for transgender people in Utah and nationwide as anti-LGBTQ+ legislation largely targeting trans youth takes over state legislatures.
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