Rolly: Prof flaunts LDS cred, gets spanked by BYU

Salt Lake Tribune ^ | Oct. 29, 2009 | Paul Rolly

[Colofornian]

When the husband of a much-maligned Provo City councilwoman decided to bring his ecclesiastical credentials and royal bloodline into his wife's contentious re-election campaign, his Mormon Church-owned employer decided he went too far.

BYU professor Buddy Richards has been reprimanded by the school for using his official BYU e-mail account to extol his virtues and condemn the activities of lower-character Republicans who he says have slandered his wife, Cindy Richards, in her re-election bid to the council.

"He has been talked to and reminded of the university's policy, which prohibits the use of the BYU e-mail system for political purposes," BYU spokeswoman Carri Jenkins said.

Buddy Richards sent an e-mail to Utah County Republican Party precinct officers blasting the actions of Utah County Republican Chairman Taylor Oldroyd, who has organized a "Stop Cindy" campaign. Oldroyd heads the Utah County Board of Realtors, which opposes Richards because of some of her "anti-Realtor" positions on the council. The Utah County Republican Executive Committee has scheduled a meeting to discuss whether to reprimand Oldroyd for his participation in the nonpartisan race.

In the e-mail, Buddy Richards reminded his Republican colleagues that he is an LDS stake president and until recently was chairman of BYU's Department of Educational Leadership & Foundations. He also pointed out, in case the e-mail recipients were not paying close enough attention, that he is the grandson of LeGrand Richards, a former LDS Church general authority.

If that wasn't enough to reveal his moral superiority over his foe, Richards also noted in the e-mail that Oldroyd was supporting his wife's opponent who (insert Twilight Zone music here) was a registered Democrat...

[Colofornian]

From the column: BYU professor Buddy Richards has been reprimanded by the school for using his official BYU e-mail account to extol his virtues and condemn the activities of lower-character Republicans who he says have slandered his wife, Cindy Richards, in her re-election bid to the council...In the e-mail, Buddy Richards reminded his Republican colleagues that he is an LDS stake president and until recently was chairman of BYU's Department of Educational Leadership & Foundations. He also pointed out, in case the e-mail recipients were not paying close enough attention, that he is the grandson of LeGrand Richards, a former LDS Church general authority.

[greyfoxx39]

Ping

[Suz in AZ]

I agree. He was out of line. He deserved to be reprimanded.

[ejonesie22]

Why is it I find that even when I agree with something the LDS does that in doubting their motivation I think I am wrong...

[Sherman Logan]

“Don’t you know who I am?”

[Elsie]

"He has been talked to and reminded of the university's policy, which prohibits the use of the BYU e-mail system for political purposes," BYU spokeswoman Carri Jenkins said.

Ya can't even push ROMNEY???