Previously, students from Brigham Young University touring groups have stayed in pairs with host families from the communities they perform in. Students report that the host family experience is often the most memorable and impactful from tour. The interactions with host families allow the students to build meaningful relationships with the people they perform for, which gives deeper meaning for the students’ performance.
 
As ambassadors of the university and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, staying with host families magnifies the impact the students have on the community at large. Those who are able to host students feel connected to the greater BYU community and are uplifted from the interactions with the students.
 
The university has decided to discontinue the use of host families on regional tours, without explanation to the students. Without communication, this decision appears arbitrary. We the undersigned, petition President Kevin J. Worthen to reevaluate the use of host families for BYU performing groups. Such a decision should not be made without consulting the students who are directly involved and impacted.  

In the end, we hope that both parties are well informed. First, we want the university to understand how important the host family experiences are for the students and families involved. Second, if there are genuine concerns from the university of why this practice should be discontinued, we seek explanation as active participants in the BYU community.