Mr. Hess’ column (2/4/09, “More sanctions, more problems”) errs by claiming that “a multiple sanction system vitiates [the importance of honor] by diluting the clarity of that message.” On the contrary, the present set of punishments imposed under the honor code – namely, the single sanction of expulsion from the University – is the one actually “diluting” the importance of honor within our community.
In particular, we have established a one-size-fits-all and permanent “solution” for only the most grievous of offenses while ignoring “trivial” acts of dishonor, effectively sending a message to the University community – as well as the Charlottesville and Albemarle community, more generally – that honor only matters when the act is judged as “non-trivial.” If Mr. Hess truly wants the system to be “fair,” he should consider supporting a multiple sanction system in which the punishment fits the crime.
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