Male students at brigham young university need a doctor s note to grow a beard

Male students at Brigham Young University need a doctor’s note to grow a beard.

It may come as a surprise to many that attending college can sometimes require following various rules and regulations that are not necessarily related to academics. Such is the case for male students at Brigham Young University (BYU), where growing a beard requires an unusual step – obtaining a doctor’s note.

BYU, a private research university located in Provo, Utah, is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). As a religious institution, the university upholds certain grooming standards based on the teachings of the LDS Church, which includes a clean-shaven appearance for men. However, there are exceptions to this rule.

According to the official BYU Honor Code, which governs all students, male students who wish to deviate from the clean-shaven expectation can do so, but only after obtaining a “beard exception” from the university administration. To qualify for this exception, students are required to provide a doctor’s note, stating that they have a medical condition that prevents them from shaving or that requires facial hair.

Notably, BYU’s grooming standards are mainly in place to maintain a respectful and professional appearance and do not, in any way, intend to discriminate or restrict an individual’s religious or ethnic background. However, the requirement for a doctor’s note to grow a beard is an additional safeguard to ensure that genuine medical conditions are the only reason for facial hair exemptions.

The process of obtaining a “beard exception” can involve consultation with a healthcare provider to evaluate and document the medical condition justifying the need for facial hair. Some common medical conditions that may make it necessary for male students to have a beard include severe acne, dermatitis, or pseudofolliculitis barbae (a condition causing ingrown hairs and inflammation). Once the doctor’s note is obtained, it must be submitted to the university administration for approval.

While it might seem peculiar for a university to require a doctor’s note for something as seemingly trivial as growing a beard, it’s important to recognize that BYU’s policies are driven by the desire to maintain a consistent and respectful campus environment. These policies align with the institution’s mission and the values upheld by the LDS Church.

BYU’s grooming standards and the requirement for a doctor’s note to grow a beard are unique aspects of campus life at the university. Although it may not be the norm at most academic institutions, the practice at BYU is a demonstration of the importance the university places on its religious identity and the commitment to fostering an environment that aligns with its values.

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