Does it seem strange that a university would deny a degree to an otherwise capable student just because he’d been booted from his church? Then you’ve never been to BYU.

Chad Hardy was excommunicated for producing the edgy yet cheeky ‘Men on a Mission‘ calendar. Well, religion is religion. But now BYU has placed his communications degree on hold even though he’s fulfilled all the requirements. Somehow that doesn’t seem right. What are they trying to turn out over there? Competent professionals, or think-alike alumni that will one day donate big bucks to the alma mater? Oh. Guess I answered my own question.

In the words of the BYU official:

Your graduation application will be placed in a “hold” file and your name will not be resubmitted for graduation. If in the future you are reinstated as a member of the Church in good standing, you are invited to contact my office regarding your possible eligibility for the awarding of a degree.

For some reason, Mr Hardy’s not accepting the gentleman’s awfully decent offer. You can read about his impending legal struggles (and possibly contribute to his legal fund) at his website.