Students' Bill of Rights
In accordance with New York State law, all students have the right to:
- Make a report to local law enforcement and/or state police;
- Have disclosure of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault taken seriously;
- Make a decision about whether or not to disclose a crime or violation and participate in the judicial or conduct process and/or criminal justice process free from pressure from the seminary;
- Participate in a process that is fair, impartial, and provides adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard;
- Be treated with dignity and receive from the seminary courteous, fair, and respectful counseling services;
- Be free from any suggestion that the reporting individual 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 seminary representatives as possible and not be required to unnecessarily repeat a description of the incident;
- Be protected from retaliation by the seminary, any student, the accused and/or the respondent, and/or their friends, family and acquaintances, within the jurisdiction of the seminary;
- Access to at least one level of appeal of a determination;
- Be accompanied by an advisor of choice who may assist and advise the reporting individual, accused, or respondent throughout the judicial or conduct process, including during all meetings and hearings related to such process; and
- Exercise civil rights without interference by the investigative, criminal justice, or judicial or conduct process of the seminary.
