Jackman

Could private rooms be fostering immorality issues?

Brad Jackman JAC01016@BYUI.EDU scroll staff

Privacy is an elusive privilege at BYU-Idaho, where clean checks, curfew checks and roommates can encroach on any sense of confidentiality a student might feel. Though some might think Big Brother is watching a little too close, a lack of privacy often pays off in the long run.

A major concern about the privacy of students is that it can lead to situations where morality and gospel principles are compromised.

When students feel that nobody will catch them, they are more likely to do things they otherwise would avoid. 

Student privacy might already be impaired by the regulations of the school, but ecclesiastical leaders, parents and administration might continue to push for less student privacy. 

In a recent address to the Housing Office and other guests, President Kim B. Clark responded to the concern about students who have private rooms.

He suggested that immorality and addiction to pornography can sometimes be linked to having one’s own room and mentioned the idea of eliminating private rooms at BYU-I. 

The Housing Office commented that it has received calls from parents and ecclesiastical leaders who express their concern about private-room housing. While no official statistics have been taken, ecclesiastical leaders have supported the theory that students with private rooms are more likely to engage in immorality than those with roommates. 

To be aware of trends in private-room housing is one thing; to correct the problem is a much bigger task. 

A policy change that forces students to have roommates may not cater to the needs of some students with special needs.

Students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADD or ADHD, are sometimes encouraged by medical professionals to sign up for private rooms at college to reduce distractions. Students with depression, however, are encouraged to have roommates and not spend much time alone. The diverse needs of students might prohibit any real changes that are proposed.

The epidemics of pornography, depression and immorality are real at BYU-I, and sacrificing a little privacy and convenience may be the only way to win this war.

Administrators are struggling to curb morality problems and bring us the blessings of moral living, but it will be important to find a balance between privacy, supervision and individual needs.