With appreciation for the tradition of freedom of expression on campus, the University reasserts its commitment to fostering and tolerating different viewpoints. It acknowledges that points of view will diverge and that some students will believe it necessary to express themselves by means of protest. However, the University will not tolerate disruption to its academic mission and does not condone any means of protest that interferes with the legitimate rights of others. Additionally, in the event a student is arrested during a protest, the University will not be responsible for securing their freedom or providing the student with legal services or advice.
1. General Rights and Freedoms
Students shall have the following rights and freedoms:
A. As members of the University Community, all students are guaranteed freedom of expression, inquiry and assembly; the right to form a student government; the right to organize groups; the right to join associations in support of any cause or common interest; and the right to peacefully protest, provided that such activity is conducted in a reasonable manner, does not abridge the rights of others and is carried out in accordance with local and/or Federal law as well as University rules and regulations.
B. Students have the right of fair access to all educational opportunities and benefits available at the University in an environment that is safe and free from invidious harassment, discrimination, or intimidation.
C. Students have a right to privacy in accordance with the provisions established by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).
D. Students have the right and responsibility to report, in good faith and without fear of retaliation, violations of this Code, the University Code of Ethics and Conduct, the Title IX Policy and any other policy of the University, to appropriate academic or administrative officers of the University.
2. Procedural Rights and Freedoms
Students accused of violating this Code have the following rights:
A. To have access to all University policies and procedures regarding the functioning of the disciplinary process.
B. To be informed of and to have explained, as required, the pending charges.
C. To be free from intimidation and retaliation by university employees in the resolution of disciplinary matters.
D. When a complaint alleges a violation of the University’s Title IX policy, the case will be governed by the University’s Title IX policy.
E. To be free from searches or seizures unless these actions are necessary based upon reasonable cause by appropriate University or law enforcement officials. In accordance with written procedures approved by the Vice President for Student Affairs, searches and seizures may be made or requested by the Vice President for Student Affairs or their designee, the Director of Residence Life or their designee, University Cabinet officers, counsel in the University’s Office of General Counsel and/or Howard University Police.
F. To have a fair and impartial hearing before an appropriately appointed hearing board, appeal board, or Administrative Hearing Officer.
3. Responsibilities
All students share the following responsibilities:
A. To read, become familiar with and adhere to the Code, the University’s Code of Ethics and Conduct, the Title IX Policy, the Student Reference Manual, the H-Book, the relevant academic Bulletin of the school or college in which the student is enrolled and any and all other relevant and pertinent University policies.
B. To respect the personal and property rights of others and to act in a responsible manner at all times.
C. To protect and foster the intellectual, academic, cultural, social, and other missions of the University.
D. To observe the laws of local, state, and federal governments.