The University Judiciary Committee voted unanimously last night in favor of changing the first standard of conduct to reflect the recent University policy change broadening the conditions under which a student can accuse another student of sexual misconduct.
In July, the University changed its definition of sexual assault to the more encompassing and broader term of "sexual misconduct" in its policies. The Standards of Conduct, however, which reflect all the University's policies, have not yet been changed to reflect the redefinition.
Associate Dean of Students Nicole Eramo spoke to the Committee last night to explain the technicalities of the new definition and how the new policy would work in practice.
"The old [policy] was very focused on sexual assault and touching," she said. "Now we have our policy to include harassment, stalking, sexual exploitation."
Only the Board of Visitors has the ability to officially change the Standards of Conduct, but the Committee's vote in support of it says that "the students want this change," Chair Victoria Marchetti said. "Student self-governance is very important at the University."
The proposed Standard of Conduct will directly include the change in policy and will separate the two types of assault covered in the clause, physical and sexual.
Currently, the first standard covers both forms of assault under one sentence. The new standard distinguishes sexual misconduct as a separate offense which is defined in the University's policies.
The new standard would read: "Physical assault of any person on University-owned or leased property, at any University sanctioned function, at the permanent or temporary local residence of a University student, faculty member, employee, visitor, or in the City of Charlottesville or Albemarle County, and Sexual Misconduct, as defined in the University of Virginia Policy and Procedures for Student Sexual Misconduct Complaints."
"The main goal of changing the standards is to make the Standard of Conduct as transparent as possible," Marchetti said.
Marchetti will present the Committee's endorsement of this action when the Board of Visitors meets Sept. 15 and 16 to vote on the proposed change. Marchetti said the Board appreciates student opinion and looks for student approval from the school representatives before changing a Standard of Conduct.
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