Students' Bills of Rights

These New York State-compliant statements communicate students' rights to a safe environment, and rights in the case a sexual misconduct incident is reported.

 

STUDENTS’ BILL OF RIGHTS
IN CASES INVOLVING SEXUAL ASSAULT,
DOMESTIC/DATING VIOLENCE AND STALKING

Members of the St. Lawrence community-students, employees and guests---should expect to be free from sexual misconduct, behavior that is inherently abusive of the humanity that each of us brings to the campus community.  Sexual misconduct is against University policy and will not be tolerated at St. Lawrence.    Pursuant to New York Law, all students have the right to:

(1)          Make a report to local law enforcement and/or state Police;

(2)          Have disclosures of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault treated seriously;

(3)          Make a decision about whether or not to disclose a crime or violation and participate in the judicial or conduct process and/or criminal justice process free from pressure by the institution;

(4)          Participate in a process that is fair, impartial, and provides adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard;

(5)          Be treated with dignity and to receive from the institution courteous, fair, and respectful health care and counseling services, where available;

(6)          Be free from any suggestion that the reporting individual is at fault when these crimes and violations are committed, or should have acted in a different manner to avoid such crimes or violations;

(7)          Describe the incident to as few institution representatives as practicable and not be required to unnecessarily repeat a description of the incident;

(8)          Be protected from retaliation by the institution, any student, the accused and/or the respondent, and/or their friends, family and acquaintances within the jurisdiction of the institution;

(9)          Access to at least one level of appeal of a determination;

(10)        Be accompanied by an advisor of choice who may assist and advise a reporting individual, accused, or respondent throughout the judicial or conduct process including during all meetings and hearings related to such process; and

(11)        Exercise civil rights and practice of religion without interference by the investigative, criminal justice, or judicial or conduct process of the institution.