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BYUPullsGrad'sDiploma

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The Associated Press

Published: October 21, 2008

SALT LAKE CITY - Brigham Young University has yanked the diploma of a man who created a calendar featuring shirtless Mormon missionaries and who was later excommunicated from the church.

Chad Hardy of Las Vegas attended graduation ceremonies Aug. 15 after finishing his last four units of study online in June. But on July 13, between completing his studies and the graduation ceremony, he was excommunicated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

A Sept. 30 letter from Norman B. Finlinson, the school's executive director of student academic and advisement services, said a nonacademic hold was placed on Hardy's record after the church-owned university learned of the excommunication.

"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," Finlinson wrote.

Hardy, 31, plans to challenge the school's decision.

"I intend to fight this tooth-and-nail," said Hardy, who learned about the hold a month after graduation.

For reasons of confidentiality, BYU spokeswoman Carri Jenkins said she couldn't discuss Hardy's specific case. Jenkins said, however, that all universities require students to be in good standing before a diploma is issued.

At BYU, that includes abiding by an honor code that dictates student conduct and behavior standards that mirror the religious principles of the church.

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