In recent months, BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff faced a long suspension due to alleged violations of BYU’s Honor Code. Rather than being met with compassion, support, or grace, Jake was reportedly forced to leave the school to continue his football career elsewhere, or face a long suspension which would drastically impact his college career, and future.

Jake Retzlaff is Jewish. His situation presented a rare and sacred opportunity for BYU—a university sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—to show him what Christ's love truly looks like: forgiveness, redemption, and mercy. 

Instead, he was met with rigid enforcement of policy, lacking the love and outreach that the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches. This isn’t just about one student. It reflects a growing disconnect between the university’s standards and the Savior’s example of love and second chances.

We believe BYU can—and should—do better. As students, alumni, parents, fans, and people of faith, we call upon BYU leadership and Church Education System (CES) administrators to:

Reassess how Honor Code violations are handled, especially for first-time or repentant students.

Create a clear, compassionate pathway for spiritual and academic restoration.

Offer mentorship, not exile, for students who fall short.

Show sincere understanding and outreach to religious minorities at BYU.

Reflect the Savior’s example in policy and practice—not just in doctrine.

This is not a call to lower standards. This is a plea to raise compassion. Christ met people where they were and lifted them with grace. As BYU continues to represent His name, we urge the university to let mercy, not just rules, define its legacy.

Let’s be a school known not only for honor—but for healing.