Brigham Young University Expels Dan Reynolds for Honor Code
The musician faced expulsion for premarital sex before completing a yearlong repentance process at the Provo institution.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Divorce
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Dan Reynolds, the 39-year-old musician, was previously expelled from Brigham Young University for violating the school's honor code regarding premarital sex. Following the incident, he engaged in a yearlong repentance process that included prayer and Bible study.
Why it matters
The disciplinary action highlights the strict adherence to the honor code maintained by Brigham Young University, which requires students to practice abstinence and sobriety. These standards remain a core component of the university experience in Provo.
Brigham Young University mandates strict abstinence and sobriety for its student body. Dan Reynolds spent two years on a mission in Nebraska and is a father of four children.
The players
Dan Reynolds
He is a musician and father of four who attended Brigham Young University.
Brigham Young University
The institution is a private university in Provo, Utah, that maintains an honor code requiring student abstinence and sobriety.
Aja Volkman
She is an artist who was married to Dan Reynolds from 2011 to 2024.
Minka Kelly
She is an actress who ended a relationship with Dan Reynolds in October 2026.
The details
After confessing to his bishop about having sex with his girlfriend, Reynolds was removed from the school. He eventually completed a formal repentance process to reconcile with the university's conduct expectations.
Timeline
2011: Dan Reynolds and Aja Volkman married.
2018: Dan Reynolds and Aja Volkman briefly separated.
2022: Dan Reynolds announced his separation from Aja Volkman.
2024: Dan Reynolds and Aja Volkman finalized their divorce.
October 2026: Dan Reynolds and Minka Kelly ended their relationship.
Culture Shift
The enforcement of the Brigham Young University Honor Code follows a pattern of strict institutional oversight regarding personal morality. This reflects broader debates over how private religious universities balance conduct policies with the evolving personal lives of their students.
Prospective and current students in the Provo area should remain aware of how institutional policies regarding abstinence and conduct can significantly alter their academic trajectory. Understanding these requirements is essential for those navigating life at private religious institutions.
The takeaway
Navigating strict institutional codes of conduct requires clear alignment between personal values and university expectations. Students must consider these guidelines carefully as they plan their education and personal lives.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by Us Weekly.
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Should private colleges enforce their own behavioral codes on students?
