100 signatures reached
To: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Church Education System Board of Trustees
Rename All Brigham Young Universities
We are asking the leaders of the Church (prophet, apostles, and Church Education System Board of Trustees) to consider changing the name of all Brigham Young Universities to a name that does not include Brigham Young.
We know that such a change would require an adjustment, but recent changes in the names of many church entities, such as Ensign College (formerly LDS Business College) and the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square (formerly the Mormon Tabernacle Choir), prove that with leadership, it can be done.
We know that such a change would require an adjustment, but recent changes in the names of many church entities, such as Ensign College (formerly LDS Business College) and the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square (formerly the Mormon Tabernacle Choir), prove that with leadership, it can be done.
Why is this important?
Brigham Young was many things, but he also taught racist ideas that the Church currently disclaims.
In 1852, Brigham Young said to the Utah Legislature,
"In as much as we believe in the Bible ... we must believe in slavery. This colored race have been subjected to severe curses ... which they have brought upon themselves. And until the curse is removed by Him who placed it upon them, they must suffer under its consequences."
Further examples of the racist ideas the Church now disclaims are included in the Church-issued essay "Race and the Priesthood" https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/race-and-the-priesthood?lang=eng.
BYU continues to symbolize The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through its athletic programs and national and international relationships and academic programs.
We feel that the time has come to choose a symbol that does not constantly remind Black Church members of painful parts of our history. In doing this, we are not seeking to "whitewash" Brigham Young from our history; rather, we feel that our emphasis as a church should be on unifying voices, especially those that the Church and its members have historically undervalued.
We submit this petition humbly to those who have the responsibility to make such decisions, and recognize that the "voice of the people" will only be one factor in the process of considering this change.
We ask all Church members and friends to consider signing this petition as a show of good faith that we are "looking to the future," a future beyond racism and discrimination and which embraces our brothers and sisters of all races throughout the world.
#BlackLivesMatter
#LetsTalkAboutUtah
Photo by Francisco Kjolseth at the Salt Lake Tribune
Thank you to Tasi Young's Special to the Tribune for the impetus to create this petition. https://www.sltrib.com/opinion/commentary/2020/06/12/tasi-young-time-change/?fbclid=IwAR28xHnnFcvrBr7DzknH5gB0FkOLGvVN2Rh88AL6Gsjdt3wz8_KTMq_lMJo
In 1852, Brigham Young said to the Utah Legislature,
"In as much as we believe in the Bible ... we must believe in slavery. This colored race have been subjected to severe curses ... which they have brought upon themselves. And until the curse is removed by Him who placed it upon them, they must suffer under its consequences."
Further examples of the racist ideas the Church now disclaims are included in the Church-issued essay "Race and the Priesthood" https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/race-and-the-priesthood?lang=eng.
BYU continues to symbolize The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through its athletic programs and national and international relationships and academic programs.
We feel that the time has come to choose a symbol that does not constantly remind Black Church members of painful parts of our history. In doing this, we are not seeking to "whitewash" Brigham Young from our history; rather, we feel that our emphasis as a church should be on unifying voices, especially those that the Church and its members have historically undervalued.
We submit this petition humbly to those who have the responsibility to make such decisions, and recognize that the "voice of the people" will only be one factor in the process of considering this change.
We ask all Church members and friends to consider signing this petition as a show of good faith that we are "looking to the future," a future beyond racism and discrimination and which embraces our brothers and sisters of all races throughout the world.
#BlackLivesMatter
#LetsTalkAboutUtah
Photo by Francisco Kjolseth at the Salt Lake Tribune
Thank you to Tasi Young's Special to the Tribune for the impetus to create this petition. https://www.sltrib.com/opinion/commentary/2020/06/12/tasi-young-time-change/?fbclid=IwAR28xHnnFcvrBr7DzknH5gB0FkOLGvVN2Rh88AL6Gsjdt3wz8_KTMq_lMJo