Thesis Proposal

            The world in which we live in is an ever changing and developing place.  There are few things, however, that are unchanging; our rights.  Especially on a college campus, topics about what is ‘right’ is as common as the latest game around the water cooler at work.  College students are very familiar with their rights and tend to defend them quite tenaciously.  That being said, some may be a little surprised when they hear that BYU of all places, an institution owned by a church that is one of the largest supporters of religious freedom, is being criticized with the very denial of it.  What it all boils down to is that fact that the sporting events and many of the classes at BYU start with a prayer.

            In any religion involving a higher being or greater power, prayer is a central aspect; it’s what unifies us with it.  For many, no matter the religion or beliefs, it is the first thing done each morning and the last at night.  Having said that, it is clear to see just how important of a topic we’re dealing with here. 

            Critics of BYU have stated that it is unlawful to start a sporting event or class for that matter with a prayer because that would be forcing a certain religion upon someone else. For someone with no knowledge of BYU’s practices or beliefs, that point may appear to be true.  BYU would be going against one of it’s founding principles, something that allows BYU to even exist.  However, when a little research is done and some knowledge has been gained, it is quite clear that BYU had done nothing unlawful.

            Upon registering for the university of BYU, it was made clear to everyone that BYU is a private school owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Thus, being a private school, it may create its own traditions and practices.  If it were public, the government wouldn’t allow prayers to be offered in the classroom, but because it is private, each student is well aware what they are getting into.

            Even if you’re against the idea of prayers being said, that doesn’t mean that you have to participate.  One of the binding aspects of religious freedom is that it is for everybody.  Someone else exercising their religious freedom while you are present doesn’t mean that your religious freedom is being impacted.  If one would like their freedoms to be respected, that simultaneously means that they must respect everyone else’s as well. 

            Because BYU is a private school, they hold the right to practice their beliefs freely, and each person at the university understands that.  However, BYU will never force a different belief system on someone that doesn’t desire.