The following is an illustrative list of the types of conduct, including actual conduct and attempts to engage in such conduct that are strictly prohibited by this Code. A reasonable suspicion that a student has engaged in, or attempted to engage in, such prohibited conduct will result in the immediate consideration of disciplinary action under this Code. The Prohibited Behaviors below are listed in alphabetical order, not in order of severity.
1. Alcoholic Beverages
The University prohibits the unauthorized possession, use or distribution of alcoholic beverages. The University enforces all local and federal laws or regulations that regulate and control the sale or use of alcohol. Howard University is a dry-campus and therefore has a zero-tolerance policy regarding the possession, distribution, or consumption of alcohol, except when possession, distribution or consumption has been explicitly approved, in writing, by the President or their designee. When possession, distribution or consumption is approved, the University limits these on-campus activities to specified areas and to persons of legal age.
At all times and under all circumstances, underage drinking is strictly prohibited; it is not permitted or sanctioned by the University. The University’s Alcoholic Beverages Regulations and Guidelines under the Code are as follows:
A. Under no circumstances will alcoholic beverages be provided to anyone under 21 years of age. The sale, service, possession, or consumption of an alcoholic beverage is expressly prohibited, unless approved, in writing, by the President or their designee for students over 21 years of age.
B. Consumption and/or possession of alcoholic beverages in the residence halls is strictly prohibited.
C. Aiding or abetting an underage person in the purchase of alcoholic beverages or providing an underage person with alcohol is strictly prohibited.
D. Student organizations affiliated with schools and colleges may not serve alcoholic beverages at events without express written approval from the President or the Vice President for Student Affairs. Prior to receiving consent, all organizations must submit a written request to serve alcoholic beverages to the Vice President for Student Affairs. All requests will contain information regarding the event, its location, potential attendees, and the manner in which alcohol consumption will be controlled to prevent underage drinking. If the request is approved, the written approval will clearly articulate all terms and conditions regarding possession and consumption. Approval will be given only for those students over 21 years of age. If approved, alcoholic beverages may not be consumed outside of the designated areas for the event. If violations occur, the student organizational leadership, along with the coordinator(s) of the event, may be charged under the Code.
E. Student organizations serving alcoholic beverages at off-campus events may not identify these events as university-sponsored or sanctioned events.
F. Disorderly conduct due all or in part to being under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited.
G. Possession of an open alcohol container in a public area is strictly prohibited.
H. Consumption of alcohol in a public area on the campus is strictly prohibited.
After consuming alcoholic beverages, students must assume full responsibility for their conduct as it relates to the need to exercise good judgment, consume in moderation, respect the rights of others, and the need to abide by and comply with the legal regulations of the jurisdictions involved.
2. Assault
Assault is any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury upon the person of another, when coupled with an apparent present ability to do so, and any intentional display of force that would give a reasonable person a reason to fear bodily harm. An assault may be committed without actually touching or striking another, or without actually inflicting or committing bodily harm. Self-defense may be a mitigating factor to this charge, depending on the circumstances.
3. Battery
Battery is an encounter in which one person threatens to initiate and/or actually engages in physical contact with another person through use of weapons, body parts or other objects, use of blows or other acts of violence that may include pushing, shoving and other acts of physical abuse. Self- defense may be a mitigating factor to this charge, depending on the circumstances.
4. Contempt of, or Interference with, Any Disciplinary Program, Actions or Activities
Failure to respect the disciplinary program or process, including failure to appear for a meeting or hearing if requested to do so, interfering with attendance by any person or persons mandated to attend a meeting or hearing, breaching any confidentiality requirements or in any way interfering with the hearing or disciplinary process of any disciplinary board or administrative hearing may be a violation of the Code. Additionally, acting or behaving in a threatening or harassing manner towards hearing participants or panelists before, during or after a hearing or disciplinary process may result in disciplinary action.
5. Contracts
Students, in their individual capacity or in their capacity as representatives of a student group or organization, are prohibited from entering into verbal or written agreements or contracts that purport to bind, obligate, or create liability of any kind for Howard University. The University will hold all such students individually liable for any financial or legal consequences or damages that may result from such unauthorized actions.
6. Discrimination
A. Engaging in verbal or physical behavior that, according to a person of reasonable sensibilities, is likely to create an intimidating or demeaning environment that infringes upon the ability of other students, faculty and/or staff to access or receive the educational benefits available to them as a member of the University Community. The University prohibits such behavior directed at an individual or group based upon a protected class. Protected classes include national origin, race, color, age, gender, ethnicity, disability, creed, religious beliefs, political affiliation, personal appearance, family status sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The Code also prohibits hate crimes, as defined in the District of Columbia Code.
B. Wearing articles of clothing with derogatory, racist, discriminatory, patently offensive, profane, sexually explicit, or graphic messages, either in words or pictures, which demonstrate bias or discrimination against any individual or group within the University Community.
7. Disruptive Conduct
A. Acting in a manner that impairs, interferes with, or obstructs the orderly conduct, processes, or functions of the University or that interferes with or negatively impacts any person or persons in the classroom or on university owned or operated property or at any University-sponsored event.
B. Student behavior, communications, and/or attire may be considered disruptive to the University and/or to members of the University Community. Under this policy, disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to, use of electronic devices such as pagers, cell phones, video games, iPods, Walkman, personal music players, or computers or tablets for non-educational purposes in the library or computer labs, during class sessions, laboratory or clinical practicums, study hall or clerkships/internships and/or during periods of academic and classroom instruction, testing, remediation, or tutorial assistance. This provision also applies to students who engage in disruptive behaviors or communications with an instructor, such as swearing or cursing, as this type of behavior impedes the ability of the instructor to carry out their professional duties and responsibilities.
C. Disruptive conduct may also include the wearing of apparel or clothing that is lewd, lascivious, profane or sexually explicit and/or attire that conveys messages in print or in picture form that are profane, vulgar, patently offensive, racist or discriminatory and disrupts any aspect of the daily operations of the University.
D. Students residing in off-campus housing, either University-owned or non- University owned, may not disturb the peace and quiet enjoyment of their neighbors by creating a community disturbance. Community disturbances include, but are not limited to: maintaining a noise level, at late hours, that is unduly loud and continual; causing vehicular congestion that would impede both emergency and non- emergency vehicles from passing; illegal parking in alleys and on streets; engaging in lewd or indecent behavior; creating or engaging in activity that generates large crowds of guests; engaging in disorderly behavior that disrupts the regular or normal functions of the community in which you reside or which breach the peace or violate the rights of others; participating in illegal activity, to include the use of drugs, dumping of trash and other violations; engaging in excessive use of alcohol and/or participating or engaging in any other activity that may be a violation of the Student Code of Conduct or District of Columbia, Maryland or Virginia laws.
E. Students are required to carry their Howard University student identification cards at all times and are required to surrender it upon reasonable request by any University official, faculty or staff member and all residence hall personnel.
8. Domestic Violence/Dating Violence/ Sexual Assault/ Stalking/Sexual Harassment
Howard University is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy living, learning, and working environment for students, faculty, and staff free of harassment, exploitation, or intimidation. It is also committed to working towards ensuring that the campus community is free from the dangerous and problematic behaviors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking are not only addressed in this Code, but also in the Howard University Response to Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Policy, which provides guidance to the University Community about responding to such incidences and details the process for addressing these claims as well as the Howard University Title IX (Student) Policy. These polices are located on the University’s policy website at: https://secretary.howard.edu/policy-office
Definitions and examples of these types of behavior are listed below:
A. Dating and Domestic Violence - A pattern of controlling behaviors used by one partner to control the other partner. By reference, this policy also incorporates the definition of domestic violence contained in the District of Columbia Code. There are many forms of dating and domestic violence:
1) Physical Abuse – Dating and domestic violence that includes, but is not limited to, hitting, shoving, slapping, pushing, punching, burning, and stabbing. It can also include withholding someone from receiving needed medical care or medication.
2) Sexual Abuse - Dating and domestic violence that includes, but is not limited to, forced sex, and forcing someone to have sex without protection, with an object, or with another person.
3) Psychological and Emotional Abuse - Dating and domestic violence that includes, but is not limited to, controlling someone’s behavior or actions, isolating a person from friends and family; making threats against a person, their family, friends, and pets; using social media to make threats; and verbal abuse.
4) Economic Abuse - Dating and domestic violence that includes, but is not limited to, taking a partner’s money, and not allowing a person or disrupting a person’s ability to work or go to school.
5) Sexual Assault – Rape, attempted rape, forced sexual intercourse including forcible sodomy, sexual assault with an object and/or sexual battery; any unwanted sexual contact or threats; and any non-consensual sexual contact, including unwanted touching or forcible fondling
6)Stalking - A course of conduct that is unwanted, unwelcome, and unreciprocated directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. Examples of stalking behaviors include, but are not limited to:
a. Waiting outside a person’s class or residence.
b. Sending unwanted letters, phone calls, emails, texts, posts to a person.
c. Following the person.
d. Sending gifts.
e. Sending information to others about the person.
f. Threatening the person.
g. Vandalizing the person’s property
h. Tracking the person’s computer and internet use.
i. Posting improper messages on social media about the person.
9. Drugs/Controlled Substances
The University prohibits the possession, use, sale, manufacture or distribution of illegal drugs, controlled substances, and prescription drugs. By reference, the University also requires that students comply with any and all laws within the District of Columbia code that pertain to drugs, drug paraphernalia and controlled substances. However, in the event that the District of Columbia or Maryland legalizes the possession, use, sale, manufacture or distribution of any drug and/or controlled substance, these actions will still be prohibited on any University owned and/or operated premises. In addition, under federal and local laws, any student convicted of a drug-related offense must be denied all federal assistance, including Pell Grants. Information about remaining eligible for federal financial aid may be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid.
The University’s zero tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and the improper use of controlled substances expressly prohibits:
A. The possession, use, manufacturing, distribution, or intent to distribute and/or sale of a controlled substance, an illegal substance or prescription medication. Examples of these illegal substances include, but are not limited to: crack cocaine, ecstasy/molly, date rape drugs (rohypnol), cocaine, heroin, opium/morphine/codeine, oxycodone, molly, amphetamines, methamphetamines, synthetic stimulants, such as bath salts or K2 or any other narcotic or controlled substances.
B. The legal and illegal possession, use, manufacturing, distribution, or intent to distribute and/or sale of drug paraphernalia.
C. Aiding or abetting an individual(s) who is in legal or illegal possession of or who has an intent to use, sell, or distribute or who uses, sells, or distributes controlled substances or drug paraphernalia, including allowing persons involved in such activities to visit or stay in their residence hall room, or to be in any University owned or operated property over which they have control.
D. The possession, use, manufacturing, distribution, or intent to distribute and/or sale of marijuana, even if it is deemed to be legal in any of the cities, counties, states or jurisdictions in which the University conducts business or in which a student is engaging in any educational, extracurricular, or athletic activity as a member of and on behalf of Howard University.
Howard University is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy living, learning, and working environment for students, faculty, and staff. It is also committed to complying with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations regarding alcohol and substance abuse, including the federal requirements of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989. These matters are not only addressed in this Code, but also in the Howard University Alcohol and Drug Prevention Policy. This policy is located on the University’s policy website at: https://secretary.howard.edu/policy-office
10. Embezzlement
Unauthorized acquisition and/or use of funds belonging to, or under the stewardship of, any University unit, organization, or individual is a violation of the Code and may also be a violation of local, state or Federal law.
11. Established Policies and Procedures
Failure to observe, abide by or comply with any University policy including, but not limited to, any provision contained within the Student Code of Conduct, the H-Book, or the appropriate school/college bulletin or manual is a violation of this Code.
12. Failure to Comply/Non-Compliance
A. Failing to immediately comply with or respond to the directions or instructions of an authorized University official, faculty member, or staff member acting in the performance of their duties or any other person responsible for a university facility or off-campus residence during a registered or non/registered function when they is acting in accordance with their responsibilities is strictly prohibited.
B. The Howard University student identification card shall be carried by students at all times and surrendered upon the request of any University official, faculty member or staff member, and all Residence Hall Personnel, both on and off campus.
Failure to comply with any disciplinary procedure, within the identified time frame, will result in a hearing with sanctions applied, and the forfeiture of the right to the appeal process.
13. Forgery, Fraud, Dishonesty
Forging the name of a University employee, another student or any other person or entity, altering or misusing any official Faculty, Staff or University forms, documents, records, stored data, electronic data bases, websites, webpages, University enterprise systems, or knowingly furnishing false information to University Officers, Officials, Faculty and/or employees or providing such information involving or referring to the University in off-campus organizations, institutions, or individuals is strictly prohibited.
Making false statements in public or private, including knowingly filing false charges under the Code is also a violation. Aiding and abetting another individual in any of the conduct referenced above also constitutes a violation of this provision.
Unauthorized and unsanctioned use of the University name, logo and/or seal are also strictly prohibited under this Code. The University has registered its name, logo and seal as trademarks; therefore, they are property of the University and protected under applicable federal and local laws. Students may not use the seal, logo(s), motto, trademarks, or other intellectual property of the University without express written permission from the University’s Office of General Counsel. Authorized student organizations must be pre-approved by the office of Licensing and Vending to reproduce these marks and/or to have a manufacturer reproduce the University trademarks on merchandise for sale or distribution. The use of the University seal is restricted and can only be used to authenticate the highest level of official University documents and be displayed during major ceremonies. On very rare occasions, exceptions to this general rule regarding the University seal are made. All requests to use the seal are considered on a case-by-case basis, only after a formal written request and justification for use are submitted to the Office of the President or the Office of the Secretary, and a written response granting use is supplied to the requesting party.
14. Harassment
Harassment is engaging in verbal, electronic, visual, written or physical behavior directed at an individual or group that, in the view of a reasonable person, is likely to provoke or otherwise result in a negative or injurious response, mental or emotional distress, or related reaction or consequence. This behavior may include, but is not limited to:
A. Making an expressed or implied threat of an action that will affect another person’s academic pursuits, University employment, or participation in academic or extracurricular activities sponsored by either the University or organizations or groups related to the University.
B. Engaging in unwelcomed and unwarranted obstruction or interference with respect to a person’s participation in educational, athletic or on-campus activity, personal pursuits, or employment, which includes but is not limited to behaviors or communications which detract from or interfere with: an instructor’s ability to provide instruction in the classroom, laboratory, clinical practicum or clerkship; any activity directly related to teaching, instruction or academic advisement and counseling; or provision or use of any and all academic support services provided throughout the University Community.
C. Creating an intimidating, demeaning or hostile situation or environment or inflicting personal, social, academic, psychological or emotional harm, or undue stress.
D. Bullying
Unwanted, aggressive and/or hostile behavior, from an individual or group that involves a real or perceived power imbalance and that is intended to humiliate, mentally or physically injure or intimidate and/or control another individual or group of individuals. Bullying can be one single act or can be repeated behavior that occurs over the course of time. Bullying includes, but is not limited to, actions such as making verbal or written threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally and marginalizing and/or excluding someone from a group, event or activity.
E. Cyberbullying
Unwanted, aggressive and/or hostile behavior, from an individual or group that involves a real or perceived power imbalance and that is intended to humiliate, mentally or physically injure or intimidate and/or control another individual or group of individuals. Bullying can be one single act or can be repeated behavior that occurs over the course of time. Cyberbullying includes the use of technology, social networking sites, text and voicemail messages, emails, instant messages, personal websites and other forms of technology to make verbal or written threats, spread rumors, attack someone or marginalize and/or exclude someone from a group, event or activity. It is also the use of the above-mentioned mediums to support deliberate and hostile behavior that is intended to harm others.
15. Harboring
Harboring is knowingly allowing any fugitive from justice, or any student, employee, or other individual who has been barred from the University, to stay in, or to be transported onto, University owned or operated property or facilities. This also includes harboring any individual who is considered to be a fugitive from justice or for whom there is an outstanding warrant. In addition to being a violation of this Code, harboring may also be a violation of local, state or Federal law.
16. Hazing
A. Hazing is defined as an act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student. It may include, but is not limited to, the destruction or removal of public or private property, or any activity conducted on or off-campus that causes or intends to cause an unreasonable expenditure of funds; embarrassing, intimidating or demeaning behavior; exposure to situations that could result in physical or emotional harm; or behavior that causes undue stress, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition of continued membership in any sanctioned or unsanctioned group or organization at the University. By reference, the University also requires that students comply with hazing laws contained within the District of Columbia code.
B. District of Columbia Law
Hazing is any initiation of applicants to or members of a student or fraternal organization in which a person or people knowingly or recklessly organize, promote, facilitate or engage in any conduct, which places or may place another person in danger of bodily injury. Any person who hazes or takes part in hazing activities on or off the property of any university located within the District of Columbia shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction, is subject to a fine of up to $1,000, or imprisonment of up to 6 months. Any fraternity, sorority, or group recognized by any university within the District of Columbia who knowingly or recklessly permits hazing on or off the property of any university located within the District of Columbia shall be subject to a fine of not more than $5,000.00. The implied or expressed consent of a student shall not be a defense under this section.
C. Examples of Hazing
Depending upon circumstances, these activities have at one time or another been construed as hazing by the courts and/or institutions of higher education. Such actions are often required or implied as conditions of inclusion or exclusion from a group, formal or informal. Thus, hazing may be perpetrated by individual(s), individual against group, or group against individual.
- Requiring calisthenics such as sit-ups, push-ups, running, or any form of physically abusive exercise;
- Forcing, requiring, or endorsing consumption of alcoholic beverages or any other drug;
- Requiring the carrying of items such as rocks, bricks, pumpkins, etc.;
- Requiring the ingestion of an undesirable, unwanted substance (e.g. spoiled food, drink concoctions, etc.);
- Scavenger hunts, treasure hunts, road trips, kidnappings, drop-offs, or any other such activities;
- Morally degrading or humiliating games and activities such as requiring members to sign in public or act like animals;
- Assigning or endorsing pranks such as borrowing or stealing items, painting property and objects, or harassing other individuals or groups;
- Deprivation of sleep;
- Blindfolding or hand-tying;
- Verbal harassment including yelling and screaming;
- Blindfolding or hand-tying;
- Requiring any personal servitude such as running errands;
- Line-ups, kangaroo courts, or any interrogations not consistent with legitimate testing for information about the history, purpose or direction;
- Requiring new members to wear publicly apparel that is conspicuous and/or not normally in good taste;
- Requiring new members to be branded;
- Requiring new members to answer phones or doors with chants, riddles, songs, or rhymes;
- Deceptions and/or threats contrived to convince the new member he or she won’t be able to join the organizations;
- Conducting activities that do not allow adequate time for study or sleep;
- Requiring new members to yell when entering or leaving any residence hall or building;
- Work projects without the participation of the full membership
- Any action which could be perceived as inflicting physical abuse/harm to an individual, for example, paddling or throwing things at new members.
PLEASE NOTE: This list by no means covers all activities and actions that can be considered hazing.
D. Statement on Hazing
Howard University recognizes that student groups and associations including, but not limited to clubs and organizations, fraternities and sororities are an integral part of the University. They contribute to the academic and social experience of the students and the University community. This relationship carries with it certain rights of the University to protect and preserve an appropriate environment in which all students and organizations may operate. As such, all students are expected to conduct themselves as responsible members of the University community and to respect their fellow citizens.
17. Media Contact
Students are expressly prohibited from speaking to any media outlet, organization or publication on behalf of, or as a representative of, Howard University. Similarly, students are expressly prohibited from inviting the same to any University-owned or operated property, facility, or event without the express written permission of the Office of University Communications.
18. Non-forcible Sex Offense
A. Unlawful, non-forcible sexual intercourse.
B. Incest – An act committed that involves non-forcible sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
C. Statutory Rape – engaging in a sexual act that involves non-forcible sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.
19. Organization and Event Registration
Failing to comply with policies and regulations governing the registration of student organizations, events on campus, off-campus house parties or the use of University facilities or resources is strictly prohibited. Failing to comply with regulations set forth in any and all applicable policies regarding the recognition of organizations is also strictly prohibited. Disciplinary action may be imposed upon a recognized student organization by the Office of Student Activities for violations of any applicable regulations set forth in University policy, the organization’s charter, constitution and/or bylaws or any other policies or procedures regarding the recognition of an organization.
20. Presenting False Testimony
Knowingly making false statements regarding a disciplinary matter before, during or after the disciplinary adjudication process could result in disciplinary action.
21. Property Damage
A. The attempted or actual unauthorized removal, use of or defacing of University property, property under University custody or control or property of another individual or group that results in its destruction or damage.
B. Destroying, defacing, removing or damaging the property of others on University premises or at University-sponsored activities.
22. Safety
A. Causing any experience, condition or environment that jeopardizes the safety of individuals, groups of individuals, or the University Community, both on and off campus; participating in conduct or behavior that explicitly endangers the safety and well- being of yourself or others are strictly prohibited.
B. Tampering with safety measures or devices including, but not limited to, alarm systems, fire extinguishers, exit signs, emergency phone systems, smoke or heat detectors, fire hoses, security systems, locked exterior or interior doors, and sprinkler systems is strictly prohibited.
C. Failing to comply with safety regulations including, but not limited to, failure to evacuate facilities in a timely fashion in emergency situations or in response to fire alarms, inappropriate use of the alarm system, and similar conduct is strictly prohibited.
D. Falsely reporting the presence or threat of a bomb or any other dangerous device or condition; falsely reporting any potentially dangerous and/or hazardous incident are strictly prohibited.
E. Failing to report an event or act that would potentially endanger members of the University Community when you know, or have reason to know, of such an event or act is strictly prohibited. This event or act can be presently taking place or can be proposed for a future date and/or time.
23. Sexual Harassment
Howard University is committed to providing students with educational opportunities free from sexual harassment and discrimination based upon gender, gender expression, gender identity or sexual orientation. It is also committed to working towards ensuring that the campus community is free from sexual violence. Sexual Harassment is not only addressed in this Code, but also in the Howard University Title IX (Student) Policy on Prohibited Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Discrimination in Education Programs and Activities, which details the process for reporting and investigating sexual harassment claims. This policy is located in the H-book and on the University’s policy website at:
Sexual Harassment is defined as: unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
A. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a basis for any decision affecting the terms or conditions of participation in any such program or activity or status in an academic course; or
B. Such conduct has the purpose or affect of unreasonably interfering with a student's educational right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity; or
C. Such conduct is so pervasive or severe that it creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for learning and has no reasonable relationship to the subject matter of the relevant course of instruction.
Examples of Sexual Harassment
The following examples are illustrative of conduct that, if proven, may be considered by the University to establish sexual harassment in an academic setting:
- Unsolicited, unwelcomed flirtations, advances, and/or propositions of a sexual nature;
- Insults, jokes, or anecdotes that belittle or demean an individual or a group's sexuality or gender;
- Unwelcomed sexually-oriented gestures, verbal expressions, or comments of a sexual nature about an individual's body, clothing, or sexual experience;
- Inappropriate displays of sexually suggestive objects or pictures;
- Unnecessary and inappropriate touching, such as hugging, or brushing against an individual's body; patting, pinching,
- Sexual assault (includes all incidents of "criminal sexual conduct" as defined by the District of Columbia code or the applicable law where the sexual assault takes place); or
- Suggestions that submission to or rejection of sexual advances will affect decisions regarding such matters as an individual's employment, work assignments, status, salary, academic standing, grades, receipt of financial aid, or letters of recommendation.
24. Smoking
Smoking and the use of tobacco are prohibited in all indoor locations, including classrooms, offices, residence and dining halls, balconies, stairwells, common areas, and other private residential spaces that are on University property or maintained by the University for members of the University community.
Smoking and the use of tobacco are prohibited in and on University-owned outdoor spaces, including walkways, the Yard, and sports and recreational areas.
Also, smoking is prohibited in University-owned, leased or rented vehicles, regardless of location.
Smoking and tobacco products, such as cigarettes, electronic smoking devices, cigars, pipes, hookahs, and chewing tobacco, are prohibited from use or sale and distribution on University property.
More information regarding the University’s Smoke-Free and Tobacco-Free Policy is located on the University’s policy website at: https://secretary.howard.edu/policy-office
25. Theft
The stealing or attempted theft of property and/or services; knowingly possessing or transporting stolen property; or improperly using or converting the property of another for personal use is a violation of the Code and may also be a violation of the law.
By reference, the University also requires that students comply with any and all laws within the District of Columbia Code that pertain theft.
26. Unauthorized Entry, Use, or Trespassing
Entering or using University facilities or property, property in the custody or control of the University or property in the custody or control of another individual or group, for an improper purpose, or without proper authorization, or assisting others in doing so is strictly prohibited.
By reference, the University also requires that students comply with any and all laws within the District of Columbia Code that pertain to unlawful entry and/or trespass.
27. Use of Electronic Communication
Using University telecommunications, data communication networks or any electronic means owned and operated by the University for illegal or improper purposes or in violation of University regulations and policies, or related federal, state, or local laws is strictly prohibited. Electronic Communication use is not only addressed in this Code, but also in (1) the Howard University Acceptable Use of University Information Data and Communication Services Policy; (2) the
Acceptable Use Policy for Computer and Network Systems; and (3) the Social Media Policy. These policies are located on the University’s policy website at: https://secretary.howard.edu/policy- office
28. Violation of Criminal Codes of the Local, State, or Federal Governments
On or off-campus actions or activities that violate criminal law may also violate the Code.
29. Weapons
A. Possession of weapons including, but not limited to, firearms, items that eject projectiles, knives, blackjack, slingshot, sandclub, sandbag, knuckles, an imitation pistol, dirk, razor blade, or knife with a blade longer than three (3) inches or any instrument, attachment or appliance for causing the firing of any firearm to be silent or intended to lessen or muffle the noise of the firing of any firearms that any reasonable person would consider to have the possibility of doing bodily harm is strictly prohibited.
B. Possessing, using, storing, distributing or transporting firearms, other weapons, explosives, fireworks, ammunition, tear gas or dangerous chemicals, except as authorized for use in class or in connection with University-sponsored research or other approved activities is strictly prohibited.