Syracuse University students spending the weekend in Crouse-Hinds Hall as part of the ongoing sit-in were denied a meeting with legal counsel after copies of the student code of conduct were delivered to them Friday evening.

Members of THE General Body, a coalition of student groups, have remained in the lobby of Crouse-Hinds since Nov. 3 following the Diversity and Transparency Rally.

Syracuse University students spending the weekend in Crouse-Hinds Hall as part of the ongoing sit-in were denied a meeting with legal counsel after copies of the student code of conduct were delivered to them on Friday evening.

Members of THE General Body, a coalition of student groups, have remained in the lobby of Crouse-Hinds since Nov. 3 following the Diversity and Transparency Rally.

On Friday, after students were handed copies of the code of conduct, Janis McDonald, a tenured professor in the SU College of Law, said students asked her if she could stop by Crouse-Hinds to explain the policy and the university’s judicial process. McDonald arrived at the building Saturday morning, but was not allowed inside.

McDonald said when she first got to Crouse-Hinds on Saturday, she was asked to wait outside. Students would be allowed to come outside to ask her questions, and then would be allowed back in the building. However a short time later, she said she received a phone call from Department of Public Safety Associate Chief John Sardino saying students would not be allowed to come outside to talk with McDonald and return inside the building.

“I just wanted to go in and explain the student code of conduct and answer questions about what it may mean and I was refused that opportunity,” McDonald said. “It would’ve been a half hour to an hour and wouldn’t have been a problem.

The administration has now caused a real uproar amongst faculty members.”

McDonald added that she saw the denial of legal counsel as an “unnecessary escalation” of the situation. She said she plans on meeting with protesters in person Monday morning.

In an email to the SU community Sunday evening, Vice Chancellor and Provost Eric Spina said “today and going forward, a process will be developed so that legal advisement can be provided in the building even when it is closed.” Spina also said that in the Nov. 12 final response sent to student protesters, the university made clear that going forward “the Code of Student Conduct would be in consideration and that any previous violations would not be pursued by any means.”

No students have been asked to leave the building yet, Spina said. SU will give students advance notice if the university plans to initiate code of student conduct charges, although no such plans are currently in place, he said.

On Friday night, university officials delivered envelopes that were individual labeled with names to each of the protesters in Crouse-Hinds. Inside each envelope was a copy of the SU student code of conduct, as well as the school’s non-disruption policy.

Kevin Quinn, senior vice president for public affairs, said on Saturday that three items in the code of conduct were highlighted that may be utilized in enforcement. A violation of any policies in the student code of conduct typically triggers action by judicial affairs.

Ben Kuebrich, one of the organizers of the sit-in, said the group has been in contact with McDonald and a representative from the American Civil Liberties Union over the phone. While being able to talk through questions on the phone is helpful, Kuebrich said people often need to be assured by legal representation, and it can be useful to have someone in person to speak with the entire group of students.

“It’s a right given to prisoners to seek legal counsel and unfortunately it’s not one given to student leaders trying to change the university,” Kuebrich said.

McDonald added that she hoped by informing protesters on the code of conduct and the university’s judicial process, she could help them make good decisions.

“If they refuse a specific order, they need to know what the consequences are and that’s all I was trying to do,” she said.

In response to the protesters being denied a legal adviser, faculty members stood outside of Crouse-Hinds Sunday to support the protesters, and McDonald said she’s received many letters from faculty who are upset by the decision.

That faculty outrage has led to the creation of a rally, which is scheduled for noon on Monday in front of Hall of Languages. Kuebrich said faculty largely planned the rally, and members of THE General Body are trying to help spread the word.

“A lot of faculty are really proud of these students,” McDonald said. “These students are really working hard, and not for their own self interests.”

Published on November 16, 2014 at 9:01 pm

Contact Brett: blsamuel@syr.edu | @Brett_Samuels27