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The Times They Are A-Changin': Honor Code Revisions
By: Julia Patt ‘09
STAFF WRITER

Sweet Briar women do not lie, cheat, steal, or violate the rights of others. Therefore, I pledge to uphold all standards of honorable conduct. I will report myself and others for any infraction of this pledge.

The above words are ingrained into students’ memories during orientation, and are displayed from classroom to classroom—neon pink signs proclaiming what it means to be an honorable Sweet Briar woman.

However, the definition of that honor may be undergoing some serious changes in the near future. A motion was made at the January 22nd SGA meeting that proposed some interesting make-over ideas for the Non-Academic side of the honor court.

Non-Academic Judicial chair Laura Schaefer ‘07 explained in an interview that the class of 2010's orientation has proven to be successful; the recent Student Life survey indicated an increase in the extent that the first years take the honor code seriously. However, the Non-Academic aspect of the honor code lagged considerably behind the Academic regulations against plagiarism and cheating.

“The Non-Academic honor violations just aren’t taken as seriously,” Schaefer said. “Option violations, community agreements, and quiet hours fall under the same restrictions as underage drinking and harassment.”

“It’s really something that we’ve wanted to address from the beginning,” added Academic chair Natalie Pye ‘07. “If I light a candle in my room, it’s not about my honor, it’s a fire hazard. That distinction has to be made.”

In order to distinguish between petty affairs between roommates and more serious accusations such as drug use and stealing, the Judicial Chairs have proposed a removal of residential life issues from the honor code. “We met with Dean Steele and everyone at Co-Curricular Life, and they worked with us closely to develop a new system.”

If residential issues such as the keeping of pets or violation of option are removed from the Honor Code, they will be delegated to an organization with CCL, such as the Residence Life panel. CA’s and RA’s will be primarily responsible for carrying out these policies, adding to their list of duties as CCL employees.

Violations such as candles and other fire hazards will be met with fines, while other residential infractions will be regulated through attendance of panels. Repeated offenders will eventually end up in Honor Court, however, Schaefer and Pye wish to establish a buffer zone.

One FYA expressed enthusiasm for the new policy, “It is important to remember that the first years are adults as well. But in some cases, the current punishments might be overkill.”

Others remain more skeptical, “I think it’s the community’s job to deal with violations,” another student commented. “The Honor Code allows us to do that; this just seems like more red tape.”

Regardless, the proposal will come up again at the February 19th SGA meeting. Students are invited to come and express their opinions. “Since the Honor Code is student-enforced, any changes should also be approved by the students,” Laura Schaefer said at the end of her interview.

If the motion is passed, it will be the first change to the Honor Code since the division between the Academic and Non-Academic chairs.