Mormon leaders tried to keep black students out of BYU

The Hidden History of Exclusion at BYU

When examining the history of Brigham Young University and its policies toward black students, it's crucial to understand unique dynamics of selective inclusion. BYU administrators, under the direction of David O. McKay and led by Ernest L. Wilkinson, the university's president at the time, created a facade of welcoming diversity while simultaneously orchestrating policies designed to limit black student enrollment. This article delves into these past actions, seeking clarity and transparency on a subject often obscured by institutional narratives.

In the mid-20th century, the question of racial integration loomed large over many American educational institutions. For BYU, this issue was entangled with the doctrines and administrative policies of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While the university's public-facing literature appeared inviting to all races and ethnicities, the reality was starkly different. Behind closed doors, strategies were devised to discreetly dissuade black and biracial students from attending. According to the "Mormon Stories Podcast," internal documents and private correspondences reveal that BYU officials intended to maintain the school's largely white demographic, fearing repercussions both religious and political should an openly exclusive policy be implemented.

A Coded Message of Exclusion at BYU

Throughout the 1960s, BYU's catalog publicly proclaimed inclusivity, but this inclusivity conspicuously omitted explicit statements regarding race. While a simple, bold line excluding "Negroes" would have been easier to enforce, it risked backlash from federal authorities. Instead, admission processes were engineered to filter applicants discreetly. If a black or biracial student applied, a personalized letter would be sent discussing potential challenges and discouragements, hoping the applicant might reconsider their decision. This covert mechanism allowed the university to retain an image of inclusivity, all while sustaining its longstanding exclusionary practices.

The intricacies of these policies stem from a combination of religious doctrine and prevailing social norms. Despite gradual social advancements across the country, BYU, under the influence of broader church policy, remained steadfastly conservative. The paradox of advocating for universal brotherhood while enactin