Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Bill of Rights

All Hobart and William Smith students have the right to:

• Make a report (or decline to report) to local law enforcement and/or state police;
• Have disclosures of Sexual Assault, Intimate Partner Violence, Stalking and all other forms of Prohibited Conduct treated seriously;
• Make a decision about whether or not to disclose a crime or violation and participate in the complaint resolution process and/or criminal justice process free from pressure by the institution;
• Participate in a process that is fair, impartial, and provides adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard;
• Be treated with dignity and to receive from the Colleges courteous, fair, and respectful health care and counseling services, where available;
• Be free from any suggestion that the Complainant is at fault when these crimes and violations are committed, or should have acted in a different manner to avoid such crimes or violations;
• Describe the incident to as few representatives of the Colleges as practicable and not be required to unnecessarily repeat a description of the incident;
• Be protected from retaliation by the Colleges, any student, the Respondent, and/or their friends, family and acquaintances within the jurisdiction of the Colleges;
• Access to at least one level of appeal of a determination;
• Be accompanied by an Advisor of choice who may assist and advise a Complainant or a Respondent during any meetings and hearings under this Policy and procedures; and
• Exercise civil rights and practice of religion without interference by the investigative, criminal justice, or complaint resolution process of the Colleges.