University Senate drafts amnesty bill
The University Senate is currently looking into a bill that would waive charges against GCSU students who violate the school’s code of conduct while intoxicated during certain unforeseen circumstances. The bill stands to give amnesty to students who assist in seeking medical attention for a person with a serious medical need, such as someone suffering from alcohol poisoning or someone who has been the victim of a sexual assault.
“The bill is by no means meant to encourage underage drinking, but rather get the students that need medical attention help. A drinking problem can be fixed, but death is a little bit harder to mend,” said Jennifer Graham, Women’s Resource Center and diversity coordinator.
The bill is still in preliminary draft form and has not yet been heard by the University Senate. In its current form, the bill – which may be renamed the Good Samaritan Bill – states that students will not be charged in violation of the code of conduct, but it does not protect them against any criminal, civil, or other legal consequences for violating state and local law.
“The bill makes sense,” freshman Jason Rowe said. “It doesn’t mean you should try to get alcohol poisoning or use the bill as a fail-safe, but it’s a nice precaution to consider.”
Student organizations are required to seek medical attention for students in need under the bill, and if such actions are not taken the organization would be subject to charges that may result in termination from GCSU. Students and student organizations would be required to complete a screening from University Counseling Services to receive amnesty from charges from GCSU.
“The bill is definitely in the draft changes and may change before it goes to the University Senate,” Graham said. “Our main priority is keeping students safe.”
Sexual assault and misconduct is also addressed in the bill, providing that victims of sexual assault would be freed from charges of the GCSU Code of Conduct in an effort to encourage students to watch out for each other even in cases of intoxication during the time of the event.
“I would definitely help if someone was in serious danger,” junior Will Lowe said. “It’s either a fine, or a dead guy in your room. Personally I think the dead guy is worse.”
The bill is slated to continue going through draft work Friday, and may not approach the University Senate for some time.
Posted by Stephanie Sorensen
on Feb 5 2010. Filed under News.
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