The Honor Committee heard a proposal last night designed to alleviate some of the burdens that fall upon the initiator of an honor case.
The proposal, titled "Modifying the Initiator," was advanced by the Student Initiations Ad Hoc Committee, which also put forth another proposal last week, the "Honor Representatives System."
Under the proposal presented last night, the title "initiator" would be changed to "reporter" in all honor cases. The responsibilities of the initiator would be somewhat alleviated and the reporter's role would resemble that of a regular witness.
"It is designed to take more of the burden from the initiator and put it on the honor system," Vice Chair for Trials Stewart Ackerly said.
The Committee is not expected to vote on this proposal next week at its last meeting of the spring semester, so it will have to be formally addressed during the fall semester.
"A lot of the logistics still need to be worked out," Ackerly said.
Under the new proposal, the reporter would be strongly encouraged both to attend the Investigative Panel and to give testimony at the trial but would not be required to stay for the entire proceedings.
"It would lower the mental burden as well as the time burden for the reporting student," Commerce Rep. Matt Miller said.
Under the current system the initiator is required to attend and give a statement at the Investigative Panel, to testify at the trial and to sit at a table with the opposing counsel.
The current system "makes the initiator feel more personally responsible for bringing a case against another student," Ackerly said.
The Committee discussed the ramifications of the proposal, especially with regard to the reporter's presence at the Investigative Panel and trial.
"Reporting an honor offense is a serious thing, and I think if you are suggesting a student should get kicked out you need to be willing to face that student," Vice Chair for Services Trevor McFadden said.
Vice Chair for Investigations Lauren Ross said she had concerns about not having an initiator present to clarify potential questions at the Investigative Panel.
In addition, the Committee discussed how the proposal would affect the rights of accused students.
"It's the right of the accused to face their accuser," Miller said. "All the accused students' rights will still be preserved."
The Committee also addressed the issue of anonymous initiations, which they agreed to sever from this proposal.
"This is not going to allow anonymous initiations in any way," Ackerly said.
Read More
Will the Faculty Senate’s no-confidence vote impact the U.Va. Board of Visitors?
By Brandon Kile | 1 hours agoIn many cases, a no-confidence vote may soon be followed by steps taken to remove the leadership that may be acting against the wishes of a community.
Two senior U.Va. Health leaders quietly take new jobs without formal announcement
By Ford McCracken | YesterdayKibbe’s departure marks the end of an ongoing battle between U.Va. Health employees and their senior leadership.
Letter from 12 deans to Board of Visitors goes unanswered for almost two weeks
By Naima Sawaya | YesterdayAt the time of publication, the academic deans had received no response from the Board regarding their offer to meet with the Board “as soon as possible.”
