A force being reckoned with
With the announcement that Soulforce, a gay and lesbian activist group, plans to visit the BYU‑Idaho campus in April, Scroll asked BYU‑I University Relations about the university’s stand on the upcoming event.
AP Photo Archive
Soulforce, a gay, lesbian and transgender activist group, is seen above during a visit BYU-Provo in 2006. Soulforce is scheduled to visit other Christian universities this year, including BYU-Idaho in April.
Scroll: Why is BYU‑Idaho not allowing Soulforce onto campus?
BYU‑I: As a private institution, Brigham Young University–Idaho maintains a longstanding policy that its campus cannot be used as a public forum for others to pursue their own agenda. This not only applies to Soulforce, but all other organizations. Because of this policy, requests from individuals or groups seeking to engage in such activity without an official invitation cannot be granted.
In addition, the group claims it would like to create dialog with BYU–I. However, past statements and previous experience with Soulforce — including its visit to BYU last year — clearly indicate the group is more interested in drawing attention by staging a media event.
Although BYU‑I did not grant Soulforce’s request for access to campus, it appears the group is still actively planning to come and advance its agenda.
Scroll: What is the university’s plan for handling this event?
BYU‑I: The university will continue to function normally during the group’s visit. It is important for students and employees to know the university takes this matter very seriously and will take the proper steps to ensure the situation is handled appropriately.
Scroll: What have you discussed with the city about this event?
BYU‑I: Rexburg city officials have been properly notified of the situation. They are prepared to provide a safe and secure environment, as well as uphold all appropriate laws and regulations.
Scroll: Should students try to engage in discussion with Soulforce for the sake of being missionaries?
BYU‑I: Students should understand Soulforce has made it clear through its visits to other campuses that its primary goal is to generate media attention — not to engage in any kind of discourse.
As was mentioned before, the university does not allow the campus to be used by outside entities as public forum to further their agendas. Therefore, students are asked to avoid any kind of confrontation or debate with the group.
Students are encouraged, however, to use good judgment and exemplify the Honor Code by being courteous toward and considerate of Soulforce members.
Scroll: Why send a campus-wide e-mail about it?
BYU‑I: Because the Soulforce organization’s plans have been publicized in the news media and members of the group have contacted a number of students and employees about the visit, questions have come to the university’s attention. In order to provide accurate, timely and helpful information, BYU–I chose to communicate directly with the campus community.
Scroll: Do you have anything else to say regarding this demonstration or about Soulforce?
BYU‑I: For individuals who would like more information about the Church’s position on homosexuality and same-gender marriage, visit [its] Web site at www.lds.org. 
