Student Code of Conduct - 6. The New School Amnesty Policy
The health and safety of every student at The New School is of utmost importance. The university recognizes that students who have been drinking and/or using drugs (whether such use is voluntary or involuntary) at the time that violence, including but not limited to domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault occurs may be hesitant to report such incidents due to fear of potential consequences for their own conduct. The New School strongly encourages students to report domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to university officials. Students or bystanders who in good faith report instances of sexual violence/misconduct will not be subject to alcohol and/or drug use policy violations occurring around the time of the alleged incident(s).
Amnesty Policy
The Amnesty Policy can provide immunity from campus disciplinary action in situations of a medical emergency related to alcohol or drug use.
Philosophy
It is imperative that someone call for medical assistance when an individual experiences severe intoxication or a serious injury after consuming alcohol or other drugs (AOD). Because these emergencies are potentially life-threatening, the Amnesty Policy seeks to reduce barriers to seeking assistance.
The Amnesty Policy represents the university's commitment to increasing the likelihood that community members will call for medical assistance when faced with an AOD emergency. The Amnesty Protocol also promotes education for individuals who receive emergency medical attention related to their own use of alcohol or other drugs in order to reduce the likelihood of future occurrences.
The Amnesty Policy does not preclude disciplinary action regarding other violations, including but not limited to:
- Causing or threatening physical harm
- Hazing
- Sexual violence and/or misconduct
- Damage to property
- Fake identification or false information provided to University responders
- Unlawful provision of alcohol or other drugs to others
- Harassment
- Other code violations at the discretion of the Associate Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students or designee
- Provisions
The Amnesty Protocol will not be granted where there was no active call for medical assistance and/or waiting for police or University personnel to arrive before seeking medical assistance.
In order for this protocol to apply, the assisted student must agree to timely completion of assigned alcohol and/or drug education activities, assessment, and/or treatment as assigned by the university. The follow-up must be completed within seven (7) business days after meeting with the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. Failure to complete recommended follow-up will normally result in revocation of conduct amnesty.
Organizations involved in an incident must agree to take recommended steps to address concerns, such as educational follow up. Multiple incidents may result in revocation of an organization's recognition.
This policy does not protect students who repeatedly violate University policies. Once a student receives immunity from the Amnesty Policy, future applications of the policy are at the discretion of the university. The university also has the discretion to determine that this policy does not apply in more serious situations, including the criminal possession of drugs, property damage, violence, etc.
Disclosure of Amnesty Incidents
The university may disclose amnesty incidents to outside parties with the student's consent. The university also may disclose an incident if a student is applying for campus student employment or a leadership position and or opportunity within Housing and Residence Education, Student Conduct and Community Standards, Orientation, and Student Leadership and Involvement if an incident occurred within one year of application, or if the university has received subsequent alcohol or drug related incidents involving the student.
Return to the Student Code of Conduct.