Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Students will now have the option to voice their concerns about whether University employees can enter dorm rooms if a dangerous situation is expected inside. In the wake of the alcohol-related deaths of Jason Wren and Dalton Hawkins last semester, the University changed several of its alcohol policies. Now administrators are asking Student Senate to consider changing its policies for the student body as well.
The Fourth Amendment: "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
Student Senate on Sept. 2 voted in favor of forming a subcommittee to discuss possible changes to the Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities in order to prevent future alcohol-related tragedies.
“We have a serious problem with alcohol consumption at the University of Kansas,” Marlesa Roney, vice provost for student success, said at the Senate meeting. “It’s nothing new.”
Roney challenged Senate to make the University a safer place by reviewing the code and making changes where necessary. The code outlines the rights of students while at the University. Only Student Senate can change the code, although Senate is open to all students.
Emily Williams, Overland Park graduate student and subcommittee chairwoman, was appointed to review the current policies, work with administration and make recommendations to prevent future alcohol-related deaths.
“We are going to have a lot of education going on because I think it’s important, first of all, for students to look at this policy and to take it seriously,” Williams said. “They have to know what the current policy is, and so I want to make sure everybody is educated on what is going on and what changes are being proposed.”
Possible changes could include giving University housing officials more power to enter a student’s dorm room without a search warrant.
Tom Cox, Shawnee graduate student and chairman of the student rights committee, said it was not uncommon for other schools to enter dorm rooms without a search warrant.
“At some universities, especially in certain aspects of the university, they forfeit certain rights that are constitutionally allowed,” Cox said.
Currently at the University, housing officials have to go to the KU Public Safety Office to get a Douglas County judge to sign and approve a search warrant to enter a student’s dorm room for any reason, including suspected alcohol use.
Some members of Student Senate are concerned and skeptical that this change was an attempt to infringe on the rights of students.
The Fourth Amendment: "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
Adam Wood, Lawrence senior and student rights committee member, voted against appointing a subcommittee.
“I think forming a subcommittee is ridiculous because we don’t need to get a group of people together to decide whether certain people need Fourth Amendment rights or not,” Wood said. “That’s not up for discussion.”
The Fourth Amendment guards against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Wood said he also felt it was “disingenuous and naïve” to believe Senate could change a culture of binge drinking by simply changing the code.
The subcommittee will hold open meetings and will allow any student to participate and vote after attending at least one meeting. The subcommittee has not yet announced its first meeting time.
— — Edited by Sarah Kelly
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Comments
Student Senate reviewing alcohol policy
It's for your own good, citizen, and the good of the people. If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear. These searches play a vital role in the security of our university, as drinking is a clear and present danger to all KU students, faculty, and staff.
Student Senate reviewing alcohol policy
When will this meeting occur?
Student Senate reviewing alcohol policy
As a former RA I have to say that this makes me nervous. To enter a resident's room, even with just cause, is a bit of a logistical (not to mention safety) nightmare. If this should pass I would hope that there would be proper training on how to do this without compromising the safety of staff (if they should enter a room of someone who's intoxicated) and residents.
Student Senate reviewing alcohol policy
Roney should resign. She is not helping students, even if she does have good intentions, and even proposing to take away anyone's 4th amendment rights should shame anyone into obscurity.
Student Senate reviewing alcohol policy
Why stop at alcohol?
I'm sorry we entered your room without your permission while simultaneously raping your constitutional rights, but we had reports that you were going to eat an entire package of Oreos. That is not healthy and is putting your life in danger. So, umm, can we have some?
Student Senate reviewing alcohol policy
I think this is terrible-- People using someone else's tragedy as their bread and butter to push their own, ridiculous, vaguely related agenda.
I knew Dalton. He was a member of my fraternity, and I attended his funeral. It is a shame and a mockery to justify YOUR agenda with the death of two people who I can GUARANTEE neither Dr. Roney nor the vast majority of the Rights Committee even knew of before they died. Have you no consideration for the personal, emotional connections, or is Senate just full of people who see statistics?
Student Senate reviewing alcohol policy
How typical for student senate to make a subcommittee. Oh well. I'm glad to see that Emily Williams is in charge.
This isn't for the safety of the students. It's so KU isn't liable next time someone drinks too much. KU and the University community are using these alcohol related deaths to justify new policies that will likely impose more upon the freedoms and rights of students. All students need to stand up against policies like this. I will be very disappointed if this doesn't become a bigger deal. Someone call the ACLU!
Student Senate reviewing alcohol policy
Giving University housing officials more power to enter a dorm room without a search warrant does not infringe upon the 4th amendment rights of dorm residents. For exigent circumstances, a University official ought to be able to enter a student's dorm room. For example, if there is reasonable evidence to believe that a student is dangerously intoxicated (which can be a potentially life-threatening situation), then a University official should be able to enter a dorm room to assess the student's need for immediate medical attention. I do not think this is meant to get under-age students in trouble. This is designed to further ensure the safety of dorm residents.
Student Senate reviewing alcohol policy
Oh, hey, I'm back. Just read this thing: http://www.philly.com/dailynews/columnists/joe_sixpack/20090911_Joe_SixpackThe_Stupid_Drinkdefined.html
Made me wonder why we don't do something intelligent instead of stupid. I suppose stupid is as stupid does.
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