File photo: Unsplash/Tma

The American Geophysical Union (AGU) and the Geological Society of America (GSU) have removed a job post from Brigham Young University (BYU) due to the school’s anti-LGBTQ policy.

The scientific groups received pushback when the ad was posted on websites owned by the nonprofits in September.

The BYU post required applicants to abide by the school’s “honor code,” which prohibits homosexuality, premarital sex, and alcohol consumption, among other things.

The GSU  told the Salt Lake Tribune it has returned the $800 posting fee.

“AGU has always encouraged and fostered a diverse geoscience community throughout its history because we believe — and repeatedly see — that diversity and inclusion are essential to advancing science,” Billy Williams, vice president of ethics, diversity, and inclusion, said in a statement that was followed up on Twitter.

“Since the job posting from BYU referenced its honor code as a requirement of employment, which conflicts with our policy, we removed the job posting from our website.”

BYU is a private school and religious institution based in Utah and run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It is legally able to maintain its honor code due to the school’s religious status and because it is a private institution. 

The BYU job ad for a tenure-track position in the geological sciences department appeared online in mid-September. It was taken down two weeks later, in early October.

The listing described the institution as an “an equal opportunity employer,” but added that employees must follow dress and grooming standards and the school’s honor code.

“Preference is given to qualified candidates who are members in good standing of the affiliated church,” the posting said.

Several members of the AGU and GSA complained, arguing the wording was discriminatory. 

Some BYU professors said emoving the ads is discriminatory because it does not promote “ideological diversity” and ignores “conservative voices.”

BYU has declined to comment further.