A. Policy on Public Order

All members of the Colgate community are expected to adhere to local, state, and federal laws and regulations. In addition, on May 31, 1969, the Board of Trustees adopted a Policy on Public Order and/or Hazing. The policy, as amended by the Board on November 12, 1980, is as follows:

The University is committed to the conduct of its affairs in an orderly manner and to maintain a sense of community. It is also committed to the discharge of legal and moral responsibilities, especially as they relate to the rights of freedom of speech and peaceful assembly in the University community. However, lawlessness in any form or for any reason, will not be tolerated. Specifically prohibited is any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers mental or physical health or involves the forced consumption of alcohol or drugs for the purpose of initiation or affiliation with any organization.

Individuals or groups who engage in acts which, in the judgment of the President of the University or designated representatives, violate public order on University property, or property supervised by the University, or who ignore or refuse to comply with specific University directives designed to maintain public order, or who pose a threat to the lives or safety of themselves or others, will be advised of the following consequences of such acts.

1. Visitors or licensees will be directed to leave the University property, or be subject to immediate arrest and removal.

2. Students, faculty, staff, or other employees will be suspended from whatever status the individual has with the University and/or be subject to such other penalties deemed to be more effective. Disciplinary actions will be subject to review by the appropriate body; by procedures adopted by the faculty for faculty members, by the University Student Conduct Board, and by the President of the University or designates for all others.

3. Failure by students, faculty, staff, or other employees to comply with University directives will result in civil or criminal prosecution of the individuals or groups concerned including, if necessary, ejection from the University property or property supervised by the University. Other disciplinary action including expulsion or dismissal will be taken by the University as deemed appropriate.

4. Any organization which authorizes or permits proscribed conduct referred to above shall be subject to rescission of permission for that organization to operate on campus property. 

On July 11, 1985, the Board of Trustees supplemented the above policy by the following resolution:

Having adopted a Policy for Public Order and/or Hazing pursuant to Section 6450 of the Education Law and recognizing its final responsibility for the conduct of the University under the Charter and By-Laws as well as its statutory responsibilities under Section 6450, the Board of Trustees hereby reserves its authority to review, by the Board as a whole or a committee designated for the purpose, disciplinary actions taken pursuant to the Policy following the review by the appropriate body provided for in the policy.

On May 18, 1991, the Board of Trustees approved, through formal resolution, a separate anti-hazing policy. This policy is printed in its complete form in the Student Handbook.