Sexual Assault Amnesty Policy

Amnesty Policy

“The health and safety of every student at Manhattanville College is of utmost importance. The College recognizes that students who have been drinking and/or using drugs (whether such use is voluntary or involuntary) at the time that violence, including but not limited to domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault occurs may be hesitant to report such incidents due to fear of potential consequences for their own conduct. The College strongly encourages students to report domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to College officials. A bystander acting in good faith or a reporting individual (complainant) acting in good faith that discloses any incident of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to Manhattanville officials or law enforcement will not be subject to Manhattanville’s Code of Conduct action for violations of alcohol and/or drug use policies occurring at or near the time of the commission of the domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault.”

Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the College’s ability to provide amnesty in additional circumstances.

Education Law, Section 6442

Amnesty Protocol – Educational Follow up

An individual who calls for emergency assistance on behalf of a person experiencing sexual violence or any alcohol or other drug-related emergency will not face formal disciplinary action by the College for the possession or use of alcohol or other drugs if she/he agrees to participate in, and complete, the recommended educational expectations outlined by the college. The recipient of medical attention will also avoid formal disciplinary action by the College for the possession or use of alcohol or other drugs if she/he agrees to participate in, and complete, the recommended educational expectations outlined by the college. If an individual is documented or receives emergency medical assistance on more than one occasion due to excessive use of alcohol or other drugs, the situation will be evaluated so as to provide the student with additional resources and/or sanctions as needed or appropriate.

The Amnesty protocol applies to straightforward cases of alcohol or other drug-related emergencies. The Amnesty protocol does not excuse co-occurring student code of conduct infractions or other incidents related or unrelated to the medical emergency.