Amnesty: The Little Word with Big Meaning

Many students are unaware that the university’s Code of Student Conduct contains a provision for amnesty. Even fewer know what that actually means. We are here to discuss amnesty and how it could impact you if you are involved in a campus incident.

Despite the best intentions, students can find themselves in precarious situations. A night out with friends may seem like typical college student behavior, but what if you are drinking and you or someone else consumed too much and need assistance? What if you find yourself in danger but fear that calling the police may lead to university conduct action?

Many might be hesitant to reach out for help when they have been drinking or taking other drugs. To encourage reporting and prioritize safety, the university’s amnesty provision covers these dilemmas and should ease the minds of those wanting to help. In a situation where you or a fellow student needs help, please make the call. The university has numerous resources students may reach out to including calling 911, The Ohio State University Police at (614) 292-2121, Housing & Residence Life staff and Party Smart resources through the Student Wellness Center. To view Party Smart resources, please visit Party Smart (https://swc.osu.edu/wellness-education-and-resources/alcohol-and-other-drug-prevention/party-smart). The university’s top priority will always be the safety of its students. Remember, Buckeyes help Buckeyes, and you should always get help!

The university’s amnesty provision (https://trustees.osu.edu/code-student-conduct/3335-23-06-0), “…gives the university discretion to forgo the formal conduct proceedings for students who request assistance for others in need and for the person receiving assistance.” You may read more about amnesty by reading the university Student Conduct website. (https://studentconduct.osu.edu/).

In short, if students are reaching out for help, either for themselves or other students, and are involved in behavior that would be considered low-level, such as underage alcohol possession or cannabis use, Student Conduct will not move forward with a formal conduct process (charges). This applies not only to the student who reached out, but also those for whom they are seeking assistance.

Think of it this way. If the university only becomes aware of an incident due to you or someone else calling to receive help, amnesty could be considered. If your Resident Advisor catches you

drinking and you were not reaching out for help, amnesty would not be considered. While the university may not move forward with a formal process, Student Conduct may proceed with informal resolutions, such as a conversation with a university official or participation in a supportive educational resource.

The university may also use this amnesty policy for individuals who report activities that may be harmful to the campus community. While this means that a conduct record would not exist, the university may be required to report certain behavior to law enforcement. Reporting hazing to law enforcement, for example, is required under Collin’s Law, Ohio’s anti-hazing law.

It is important to note that the Code’s amnesty provision applies only to student disciplinary action under the Code of Student Conduct (https://studentconduct.osu.edu/).