Yes, Jewish students are welcome at Brigham Young University (BYU). The university fosters an environment where students from diverse religious backgrounds can attend, and there are resources specifically dedicated to supporting Jewish students on campus.
A Welcoming Environment for Jewish Students
BYU strives to create an inclusive atmosphere for all its students. For the Jewish community, this inclusivity is clearly demonstrated through the presence and mission of organizations dedicated to supporting Jewish life on campus.
- Embracing Diversity: BYU's Hillel, a prominent organization for Jewish students, explicitly states its mission to fully embrace "All Kinds of Jewish." This means students from various Jewish traditions and practices are welcomed and supported.
- Inclusive Community: The Hillel extends its welcome to all students, regardless of their religious background, Jewish ancestry, ethnic or racial background, sexual orientation, and gender identity. This commitment ensures a broad and diverse student body can feel at home.
- Supportive Principles: The Hillel community at BYU identifies itself as pluralistic, egalitarian, and queer-friendly, actively seeking to welcome all kinds of students into its vibrant community. This underscores the availability of a supportive and understanding network for Jewish students.
General Admissions for Non-LDS Students
While BYU is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it admits students from all religious backgrounds, including those who are not members of the Church. All students, regardless of their religious affiliation, are expected to adhere to the university's honor code, which outlines standards of conduct consistent with the principles of the Church.
The existence and active presence of a Hillel chapter at BYU is strong evidence that Jewish students are not only admitted but also have a dedicated community and resources available to them, allowing them to maintain and celebrate their faith while pursuing their education.