After being arrested for protesting war and visiting the Honor Code Office last week, Caleb Proulx decided to drop out of BYU.

Proulx and eight other individuals were arrested during a peaceful protest against the war in Iraq. The nine, who called themselves Utah Citizens for Peace, blocked the entrance to the Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building, in Salt Lake City. The arrest resulted in a federal misdemeanor charge.

Proulx, 22, from Marietta, Pa., is also known for sporting anti-war armbands and participating in a panel discussion about the war with BYU faculty.

"The university's intent was to have Caleb remain at the university and continue to work with the Honor Code Office," said Carrie Jenkins, assistant to the president for university communications.

The Honor Code Office did not intend to expel Proulx, she said, but consequences were to be discussed at a meeting scheduled for Thursday.

The honor code requires students to obey the laws, which is why consequences were being discussed.

Discussions were not caused by Proulx's political stand.

"This was not because of his political views, this was not about his political thoughts," Jenkins said.

Proulx stated in a news release that he made his decision to withdraw after much thought and without the help of BYU administration.

"I'm not avoiding any punishment from BYU," he stated, "It must be remembered that it was I who notified BYU of my action."

According to Proulx, he faced an ethical dilemma, creating a need to examine his integrity.

"If I am willing to break the law to promote peace, then I cannot remain in commitment to an honor code which precludes - in many people's minds - civil disobedience," Proulx stated.

Dixie Black, a retired English professor from BYU spoke with Proulx and his mother, to offer support for his stance against U.S. administration and his decision to withdraw admission to BYU.

"If he continued to be seen as an object of controversy and unjustified criticism, it would be better for him to be away from BYU," Black said.

Black taught at BYU between 1982-1990.

"The honor code was not that complicated, and I don't think we got into politics when I taught there, it's a surprise to me to even here about it," Black said.



Copyright Brigham Young University 1 Apr 2003