As conversations surrounding student and faculty demands for change have played out over the past two weeks, questions have been raised about what rights students have to protest, what kinds of demonstrations fit within or outside of our policies, and what potential repercussions students may face if they go outside of these policies. In an effort to make the information in the Student Handbook more accessible and respond to common concerns, refer to this “Know Your Protest Policies” document.
What Activism Leads to Conduct Sanctions?
- Activism that is in line with the listed policies can be done without any concern about conduct proceedings. This includes writing with chalk on sidewalks and walkways, posting signage on walls with temporary tape that aligns with the guidelines, expressing views verbally, digitally, or in writing, or any other action that does not violate policy.
- Demonstrations that cause unreasonable levels of disruption to college functions may have consequences depending on the circumstances. Historically, the conduct process has not been leveed to put a stop to acts like the Fanning Takeovers, though the chances of this happening increase as the length of time that the college is disrupted grows.
- Damaging or unsafe actions are the most likely to lead to disciplinary action. These kinds of violations also tend to result in both a Disciplinary Status and financial charges as payment for the damage done or unsafe circumstances created.
How could the activism of some students affect students who are not participating at all or not participating in that way?
- Activism from students that violates other students’ rights as illustrated by the handbook may lead to conduct cases. After an extended period of time that students are unable to go to class or engage with the college in some way, often they and their parents will complain to the school. This is tied to the interruption of orderly processes of the college and may result in a Disruption charge if drawn out too long. It is important to keep in mind how activism affects others on campus and balance applying pressure without creating unnecessary problems for neutral parties.
Are the risks different for international students?
- International students have the same rights to protest as any other student on this campus. There are only two scenarios where the consequences may differ, if they are arrested or if they are suspended. Suspension results in a pause in their student status and may affect Visas, arrests may have larger implications for this as well. Students with Green Cards are more secure in these situations as their residency is not dependent on their status as a student.
What about undocumented students?
- Undocumented students face the same chance of consequences as other students, but the risk is increased in cases of arrest. The college conduct process does not treat this status differently, but students should be mindful of legal ramifications to protesting, however unlikely.
Do we have to worry about getting arrested?
- It takes extreme circumstances for law enforcement to get involved on this college campus. Serious threats, public safety concerns, or acts of violence would need to be committed to warrant this. Crimes like arson, assault, occupying a post office, or extreme destruction of property would lead to this result. Do not engage in these behaviors; the individual consequences and damage to the movement are not worth it.
Are there consequences with Campus Safety that could occur?
- Campus Safety may become involved if there are serious violations of policy or crimes committed. If there is an investigation of a policy violation where cameras were present, they will review the footage. They may also directly respond to reports of policies being violated as they would in any other case. Not complying with reasonable requests from Campus Safety may result in additional charges if a conduct case is brought forward.
How will my scholarships be affected if I face consequences in the conduct process?
- Financial aid is not informed of students’ conduct standings. Need-based and merit-based scholarships are not affected by a student’s conduct standing.
- Merit-based scholarships may require students to maintain above a certain GPA. Be aware of your Professor’s policies for assessment and be in communication with them if you are concerned about protesting affecting your grades. Most faculty will tend to be lenient, but that is not a guarantee or an expectation. •
