Last week faculty senate passed two changes to the University of Idaho Student Code of Conduct. The changes must still be passed at an all-faculty meeting and then approved by the UI interim president Don Burnett before they go into effect, but it is expected the changes will happen next semester.
The first change to the code of conduct will extend the jurisdiction of the dean of students office to include off-campus situations that affect the campus — this change has caused significantly more controversy and has left many students feeling like their rights are being taken away.
However, there are several important points to keep in mind. The spirit of this change is in the interest of students. The university doesn’t have the interest or resources to police every minor infraction of the student code that takes place off-campus. It does, however, want to promote a safe and productive atmosphere and be able to step in and address disconcerning behavior that interferes with its goal.
It is both the role and the goal of the dean of students to create an environment that ensures the success and safety of every student that walks onto our campus. Whether that be through programs, opportunities or a simple one-on-one conversation, the dean of students is focused on success, both on an individual student level and an institutional level. It makes sense to implement a clause that will enable the dean to more effectively meet that goal.
Students’ right to due process has not changed. No student will be sanctioned without going through the University Judicial Council. But it does allow the dean of students to at least have a conversation with students who are proving to be detrimental to the safety of our campus community. And a conversation with someone who is dedicated to your success and well-being is never a bad thing.
The concern is understandable. Students don’t want every aspect of their life to be under the jurisdiction of the university.
ASUI President Max Cowan put it best when he said; “This change doesn’t mean that Bruce Pitman, Dean of Students, is going to get on his cop costume and go running around the university apartments. That’s not what this is about.”
The second major change to the code was the addition of an amnesty policy, which protects students from university sanctions due to illegal drug and alcohol-related activity in the event of a medical emergency. This clause offers protection for bystanders who have engaged in drug or alcohol consumption and who seek emergency medical attention for someone else. The clause also protects victims of sexual assault who used drugs or alcohol at the time of their assault or harassment.
This is an important step for the university in regard to student safety. With the implementation of the Got Your Back campaign and the Vandal Green Dot program to promote bystander awareness and intervention, this amnesty clause is a much-needed update to encourage students to call for help when help is needed.
According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, 60 percent of sexual assaults are not reported. Last year alone, there were only eight rape cases filed with the Latah County Court. It’s imperative for UI to create an environment that promotes the safety and ability of victims to report their assault without fearing repercussions.
— KM