One week after a student survey revealed the majority of students surveyed supported instituting fines for students found guilty of violating the Code of Conduct, Students Defending Students hosted a debate on whether the fines are a reasonable punishment.
SDS representative Caroline Flynn argued in support of the fines, claiming the money could be used to better educate students about high risk behaviors.
Right now the judicial sanctioning process is not working
Flynn said, adding that many students have complained to her about the ineffectiveness of the current Prime for Life
alcohol education program.
The alcohol education class is not doing enough and by imposing these fines we can generate more money for an improved program. Flynn said.
SDS' Assistant Director Dan Crone argued against the fines, claiming the fines would only encourage students to fight charges rather than accept sanctions, which would lengthen the process and increase administrative costs.
Crone noted that there is no presumption of innocence for students facing judicial action, and that some cases come down to one person's word against another.
A monetary fine is not developmental in any way... adding fines would only add to the potential injustice Crone said.
The Office of Student Affairs first mentioned the possibility of judicial fines during Winter Quarter, but Dean of Students Ryan Lombardi said no decision on the fines will be made until the office has had time to properly access student feedback.
There is currently no timetable for this decision Lombardi said, adding that the fines are not currently included in budget planning for next year.
Roughly 300 students were surveyed last week, with 65 percent saying OU should fine students for some policy violations, while 11 percent said fines should be imposed for all judicial violations.
SDS Director Lauren Vandermark said the organization hoped to get the student voice on the issue so the administration can have a better gauge of student opinion.
This is one of the few things (students) do have real control over. Crone said, adding he has been pleased with student response to the survey and debate.
(SDS has) been as effective as a group of 20 people can be
Crone said.
Lombardi said Student Affairs is happy with the level of student feedback on the issue, and credited SDS for facilitating student dialogue about the fines.
Students Defending Students has really done the campaigning of getting it out there. I've really got to give them a lot of props for being the one's pursuing this. Lombardi said.
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Wesley Lowery
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Moderator Daniel Leister, a senior, listens as Dan Crone, also a senior, argues against the judiciary fines yesterday in Baker University Center Theatre. (John Nero/Picture Editor)
