Why Brigham Young University Made Russia’s ‘Undesirable’ List: What You Need to Know

The Russian government has taken a surprising step by placing Brigham Young University (BYU) on its list of "undesirable" organizations. This label indicates that Russia views the university, which is affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as a threat. As a result, BYU and anyone associated with it cannot operate within Russia, facing severe penalties for doing so.

This decision came after a notable event held on February 6, 2025, at BYU. The university hosted a discussion titled “Russia as a Global Threat,” led by Sonata Coulter, a U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state. During her talk, she underscored how Russia has used its power to influence other nations through resource demands and political pressure. Quotes from influential figures like Secretary of State Marco Rubio also emphasized that Russia poses a significant challenge to global stability.

Russia’s leader, Vladimir Putin, has targeted various groups and organizations that criticize his regime, including media outlets and human rights organizations. Notably, The Moscow Times, which broke the story of BYU’s designation, has also been labeled a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This kind of pressure on dissenting voices reflects a broader trend in Russia, where freedom of expression is increasingly curtailed.

Interestingly, while BYU has been singled out, the wider LDS Church has avoided condemnation of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, opting instead to call for peace. As of now, there are 229 entities on Russia’s “undesirable” list, including the Körber-Stiftung Foundation, a German nonprofit known for its work with Russian human rights organizations.

The repercussions of this designation are significant. BYU offers a popular Russian language major, which included study abroad opportunities in Russia. This will no longer be feasible due to the current political climate. Furthermore, since 2016, Russia has imposed strict rules on missionaries of all faiths. The LDS Church stopped sending its members to Russia for proselytizing in 2022 amid escalating tensions from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Currently, about 18,000 members of the LDS Church and 56 congregations exist in Russia. Despite plans to build a temple in a major city, construction has yet to begin, reflecting the challenges faced by minority faiths in the country.

In recent years, there has been a growing global awareness of Russia’s policies towards dissent and minority religions, with social media playing a significant role in amplifying these issues. As more people discuss these topics online, a clearer picture of the impact of such political decisions emerges.

In summary, BYU’s designation as "undesirable" underscores the delicate balance between education, politics, and international relations. Understanding these dynamics is essential as the global community continues to navigate the complexities posed by Russia’s actions today.

For more information on Russia’s laws regarding undesirable organizations, you can visit the Russian Ministry of Justice.

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