Maybe if they held the Forum on the lawn everyone would get along?

Maybe if they held the Forum on the lawn everyone would get along?

The University Senate will present their proposed revisions to the Rules of University Conduct, which govern free speech and protest on campus, in an Open Forum today from 4:00-6:00PM in Havemeyer 309. Today marks the last opportunity for members of the community to voice their concerns regarding the proposal before it is voted upon by the entire University Senate. Anyone with a CUID is welcome to attend and registration is not required.

Detailed below is an email from university senator Jared Odessky that includes highlights of the current draft’s proposed revisions, as well as a link to the Rules Committee’s full proposal:

For the first time in decades, the rules governing free speech and protest on campus are being revised by the University Senate. The Rules of University Conduct are designed to protect the rights of free expression while at the same time ensuring the continued functioning of the University and the protection of the rights of those who may be affected by such demonstrations.

The Rules Committee will present its proposal to the Columbia community at a University Forum TOMORROW, April 17 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Havemeyer Hall, Room 309. This is the last chance for public input about the Rules before the proposal moves to the full University Senate for a vote.

The current draft’s proposed revisions include:

  • A new procedure which replaces an external hearing judged by an independent arbiter with an internal University hearing.
  • Students accused of violating the Rules will be heard by the 5-person University Judicial Board (UJB) and appeals will be heard by a panel of three Deans.
  • When the UJB determines that a student has violated the Rules, sanctions will be issued by an administrative Sanctioning Officer appointed by the Provost.
  • Several additional potential sanctions have been added, including community service and revocation of degree.

The Rules Committee’s full proposal is available here.

We encourage you to voice your thoughts and concerns either by coming out to the town hall or by contacting us directly.

Get up-to-date with all things regarding the Rules of University Conduct here. For those unable to attend, follow along with us on Twitter as we live-tweet the Open Forum.