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Addressing Sexual Harassment at BYU-Idaho
BYU-Idaho is committed to promoting and maintaining a safe and respectful environment for our campus community by complying with Title IX of the United States Federal Education Amendment.

Dating Safety

BYU-Idaho is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for the campus community. All forms of sexual misconduct (including sexual harassment, dating/domestic violence, and sexual assault) cause significant and wide-ranging traumatic effects for the victim, violate core doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and destroy the wholesome environment we strive to maintain at BYU-Idaho.

Dating apps are more popular than ever and connecting with new people can be as simple as a quick swipe on your phone. For students, dating apps and social media have become a major way of meeting new people, but they have also created new challenges and safety concerns at the university. Remember, no matter how you met or where you met, no one has the right to commit unwanted sexual acts against you or violate your boundaries in any way.

Simple Guidelines for Reducing Risk

Below are some simple guidelines to review in an effort to reduce the risk of harm when meeting people you have connected with online.

  • Exercise good judgment and be careful when using popular dating apps (Mutual, Tinder, etc.)
  • Don't take everything you read or see online at face value. It's easy to lie online and many people do.
  • Don't allow yourself to be talked into anything. Be independent and aware in social settings. Express opinions on where to go and appropriate places to meet.
  • Meet in a public place with good lighting. If the person you meet online insists you meet at his or her apartment or somewhere private, this is a red flag. A busy daytime location may not seem the ideal setting for a first date, but others will be around if an unsafe situation arises.
  • Tell at least one friend where you are going and who you are meeting. Getting your date's first and last name prior to a meeting is always a good idea.
  • Remember that it takes time to build healthy relationships and to truly get to know an individual. Arrange group or double dates to give you time to get to know someone well.
  • Abusive behavior has no place in any of your relationships. Warning signs of abusive behavior include threats of violence, jealousy, controlling behavior, quick romantic involvement, isolation, blaming others for feelings, and hypersensitivity. If you feel unhappy in your relationship and if you think that you might be experiencing abuse, get help. Talk to someone. You deserve better.
  • If possible, make your own travel arrangements to/from a first date.
  • Avoid situations where alcoholic beverages or drugs are available. If you unintentionally find yourself in a difficult situation, leave immediately and encourage your friends to leave with you.
  • Do not hesitate to leave if you are in a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable, nervous, or afraid, even if an early departure seems rude. Exercise good judgment, and above all, trust your instincts.

Being a victim of sexual misconduct is never considered a violation of the Honor Code! If something like that happens to you or someone you know, you can seek help from the Title IX Office.