Review of the new Living Laboratory Plan

John Bell has released his new draft "Living Laboratory" Plan. The purpose of this plan to to satisfy a recommendation from our accreditation agency (WASC) to "diversify" our faculty. The plan is due in March of 2021. 

I appreciate the focus on what President McKay and President Romney have said about the unique purpose of our university. The idea that we are a “living laboratory, in which individuals who share the teachings of the Master Teacher have an opportunity to develop appreciation, tolerance, and esteem for one another” brings Jesus Christ to the foundation and center of our mission. It is not our laboratory, but the Savior's laboratory that we are blessed to be a part of. President McKay also noted in his dedicatory address on February 12, 1955 that: 

Furthermore, the gospel plan as revealed by our Father in Heaven through His Son to the Prophet Joseph, is the only plan by which the world, by obedience, may obtain peace. I feel that as you do with all my heart. No matter what their theories are, no matter what their desires and schemes may be, eventually they will have to come back to the principles of the gospel and the kingdom as will be taught in this school [emphasis added]. 

 

President McKay and President Romney would strongly agree that any new “Living Laboratory” plan would be an opportunity for BYU-Hawaii to advance peace internationally by boldly and confidently proclaiming our true identity to all the world, that we are indeed individual sons and daughters of Heavenly Parents and that this knowledge implemented in our lives will lift us back into their presence through the atoning sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ and his Restored Gospel. At this time of great contention and confusion and spiritual darkness we must a bright beacon of light for this great truth.  

 

In my judgment the following areas need further reflection and refinement to make the plan more consistent with our vision and purpose: 

 

SUMMARY OF ISSUES 

 

Both Women and Men from the Target Area and Beyond.  Would not this statement include all worthy and academically qualified individuals from all countries on the planet? We’re a global Church, why don’t we simply say we recruit globally? Will countries in the target area be given priority over other countries? Will there be a ranking of countries within the target area? Will South Korea be given preference over the Philippines? We can ignore all of these contentious issues if we focus on recruiting globally.  

  

Retaining. The statement” Retain those faculty members” implies that faculty from target areas will be given preference over non-target area faculty. We should continue to strive to retain all outstanding faculty irrespective of geographic origins. 

  

Statement of Nondiscrimination. Our Statement on Nondiscrimination specifically prohibits discrimination based on national or ethnic origin. If we adopt this plan as currently written, we will have two policies that directly conflict with each other. 

  

Desired Campus Culture. This term is used frequently throughout the plan but is never explicitly defined in a way that it can be quantified and measured. How does the current culture compare to the desired culture? 

  

Honor Code. Why was the reference to “the associated code of honor” removed in the new document? 

  

Recruiting Alumni. Would not this policy reduce our faculty experience and perspective? We want to bring global perspectives to our campus from all worthy candidates.  

  

Echoing. The statement: “Brigham Young University–Hawaii welcomes candidates whose background and/or experiences echo the many cultures and geographic regions reflected by the student body.” implies that we will be discriminating based on geography and nationality. This should be revised to: “Brigham Young University–Hawaii welcomes all worthy global candidates.”  

  

Ombudspersons. Several faculty members are troubled that both of our Ombudspersons were selected from the faculty of Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts. To get a broader perspective it might make more sense to select from different faculties.