Blog Post 1

My claim that Brighman Young University should encourage more nonmembers to apply answers the “what should be done” question. Students that are attending BYU are attempting to acquire a higher education that will lead them into the workforce. Once those students enter the workforce most will find that they will not be surrounded by latter day saint coworkers. More nonmembers will increase diversity, culture, and more experiences for students that are members.

            Most nonmembers believe that BYU is only a school for Mormons, which is not completely true. Around 1.5% of students attending BYU are not members of the church. In 2013, about 33% of BYU’s student originated from Utah. More nonmembers’ means that there will be greater diversity on campus and it will expose those that have yet to leave the state of Utah to many new and exciting cultures. Also, those nonmembers will be able to recognize that we are real people just like them. Hopefully, later on in life they will be able to dismiss rumors brought up in conversation about the church because they had hands on experience with the saints. It will also allow for greater missionary opportunities and the likelihood of converting those nonmembers.

            Some may argue that by encouraging nonmembers the schools standards would be lowered. Although, surrounding them with our morals and expecting their agreement to adhere to the Honor Code would be a positive factor on their conductivity; nonmember students would experience living in an environment where they would be encouraged to raise their standards to that of the member students. Others may claim that BYU is already difficult to get into, but more applicants would increase the schools competitiveness and add to its prestige nature.

One of BYU’s mottos is “The World is Our Campus.” If the world truly is our campus then we should be accepting to all those who would like to attend this institution.  BYU has the ability to shape individuals into the proper young adults they should be. They can be a positive influence on where ever they choose to abide after graduation. In the end the nonmember students will be able to “enter to learn and go forth to serve.”

            I plan to be convincing by getting testimonials from multiple students including those who have lived in Utah all their life and those that have not been surrounded by members. BYU encouraging more nonmembers is what should be done.