MUNCIE— Ball State University is beefing up its staff and student conduct code and creating a new hearing panel to deter sexual assault, many of the victims of which are incapacitated by alcohol or drugs.
The university’s board of trustees on Friday approved a new, 32-page “Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy” that is 24 pages longer than the previous policy.
The trustees also approved the creation of a new Sexual Misconduct Board to hear student complaints including dating violence, humiliating speech, posting nude photos on social networking sites, cyber stalking, exposing one’s genitals without consent, sexual orientation harassment, sexual activity with an incapacitated person and many other types of prohibited conduct described in eight pages of the new policy.
“It takes a lot of effort to create a safe environment,” said Indianapolis attorney Rick Hall, chairman of the board of trustees.
Disciplinary action against students found responsible for misconduct can range from probation to suspension to expulsion.
“We need to hammer home this mission,” said trustee Matt Momper, president of Momper Insulation in northern Indiana. He said it will require a cultural change and cited the culture of recycling as an example.
Copyright ©2024 The Star Press