What is an "adverse effect?" Is it something that encourages students to do something illegal? Or is it something that encourages students to do something their parents don't approve of, such as acquiring new religious traditions? If it is the former, then laws and processes are already in place to deal with such organizations. Any investigation carried out should be confined to determine if the organization participates in illegal activities. If it is the latter definition, then any organization, including a university, could be deemed a cult if it causes students to think differently than their parents.

If parents are concerned about their student-children participating in activities they don't approve of when they leave home for school, the parents should prepare their children at home with accurate information, socialization skills and strategies, or strong religious faith. Such activities will encourage their children to uphold family standards when they are away from home. To simply label an organization a "cult" will have very little impact on the students' activities, and will perhaps unfairly ostracize those belonging to organizations thus labeled.

-- Paul C. Hardin, Director of Technology Training Services, Brigham Young University (posted 8/19, 12:12 p.m., E.D.T.)

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