GCSU University Senate clarifies student amnesty policy

The GCSU University Senate is amending its student amnesty policy due to issues over a lack of clarity.
“Some cases have been questioned since the policy has been in effect,” said Public Safety Lieutenant Greg Williams. “In the end, (the cases in question) always seem to be a misunderstanding . . . so it’s good to have everything in writing.”
The amendment to the bill will be on the Student Affairs Policy Committee’s agenda no later than November to clarify the two types of students to whom the policy grants amnesty to as well as the policy’s affiliation with law enforcement.
SAPC’s intention when it originally passed the policy on March 29 was to grant amnesty to certain students who committed GCSU code of conduct infractions, including underage drinking. The policy’s intent was to aid students who sought help for themselves in the event that they needed medical attention, as well as on behalf of fellow students when the student seeking help was also in violation of the code of conduct.
“(The policy) encourages students to call for help. We don’t ever want anyone not to call for help when it is needed,” Williams said.
The first draft of the policy explicitly stated that the person in need of help would be eligible for amnesty, but it did not explicitly restate that the person seeking help on the victim’s behalf would be eligible for amnesty as well.
“Our biggest thing is we want to keep people safe,” said Macon McGinley, SAPC chair. “But students need to know that this is not a free pass to drink. It is intended for isolated instances.”
The amendment to the policy will also clarify that students will only be granted amnesty by GCSU and the Student Judicial Committee, which deals with branches of the Code of Conduct. It in no way grants amnesty from law enforcement.
“The University Senate has absolutely no jurisdiction or authority to say when or how our law enforcement officials conduct their business,” McGinley said. “The policy only pertains to the Student Judicial Committee.”
The primary purpose of the policy is to look after the health and safety of members of the GCSU community. According to the policy, “amnesty is the protection from judicial sanctions for violations of specific articles of the GCSU Code of Conduct.”
Students who seek emergency medical attention for themselves (or someone else) related to consumption of drugs or alcohol will not be charged with violations of the Georgia College Code of Conduct related to that consumption provided that the student subsequently completes a screening from University Counseling Services and any recommended treatment determined by the Office of Student Affairs. The policy does not include individuals in an alcohol or drug-related medical emergency found by a University employee such as University Police, Faculty, administrative staff or residence hall staff.
Editor’s note: Macon McGinley is the faculty advisor for The Colonnade

Posted by Vanessa Whited on Oct 22 2010. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.