Students Rights & Responsibilities
I. Students Rights & Responsibilities
A. Philosophy
Basic rights and responsibilities are guaranteed to all members of our society
by the Constitution of the United States of America and the State of New
York. Members of an academic community have, in addition, particular rights
and obligations tailored specifically for the College environment.
The College's mission to seek and disseminate knowledge encompasses the concept that free inquiry and expression will occur within the educational process. Students are encouraged to examine and discuss issues of interest to them and to express their opinions verbally and in printed form. Lewd, obscene, vulgar, intimidating, or threatening behaviors of self- expression have no place within the academic environment. The College expects that individuals will conduct themselves in an orderly manner and refrain from disrupting classrooms or routine and essential operations of the College.
The regulations and procedures described in this document pertain primarily to on-campus conduct. While members of the College community are free to participate in off-campus activities that interest them, only those activities duly authorized by the College shall carry the name of SUNY New Paltz. The College expects that individuals will be responsible for their conduct at all times and that they will be cognizant of and in compliance with local, state and federal laws. Campus Regulations serve to supplement local, state and federal codes and the College cannot interfere with prosecution or incarceration resulting from proceedings initiated by appropriate external law enforcement authorities.
B. Statement of Principles and Responsibility
The specific principles cited here are protected and limited within the framework
of the Campus Regulations of SUNY New Paltz.
1.00 Equality
Principle: Every aspect of College life shall be free from discrimination on
the basis of race, color, religion, gender, ethnic background, sexual orientation,
age, marital status or disability. Student housing, organizations, athletics,
classes and College community facilities are open to all who desire to participate.
Responsibility: It is the responsibility of all members of the academic community to ensure through word and action that discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, ethnic background, sexual orientation, age or handicap is not present in College activities or in the College community.
2.00 Association
Principle: Students are free to affiliate and organize for educational, political,
social, religious, or cultural purposes.
Members of associations are free to voice their position on issues as long as there is no disruption of normal College activities in the process.
Responsibility: Student organizations have a responsibility to protect the rights of individuals who do not desire to affiliate or sympathize with their position. Members of organizations must be responsible for their actions as individuals.
Organizations and affiliations must be in compliance with legal mandates of the state and nation in order to gain recognition by College officials.
3.00 Speakers and Topics
Principle: Student organizations are free to invite speakers to the campus
to speak on any topic chosen by the students. College facilities may be utilized
for speakers invited to campus. The College maintains the right to deny use
of facilities for speakers when there is evidence that serious disruption
and/or threat to welfare could result. When appropriate, consultation with
Student Association representatives will be sought.
Responsibility: Students and student organizations must recognize that the presentation of a balanced program of speakers and topics is essential for a true and exhaustive analysis of critical issues. While some organizations may support certain tenets to the exclusion of others, the opportunity to hear opposing premises is vital if an informed student body is to result. Furthermore, students and student organizations must take reasonable precautions for the safe and orderly conduct of speakers and the audience.
Where a controversial speaker is likely to engender demonstrations from other student groups, the sponsoring organization must recognize the rights of other groups and consider the impact of inviting each speaker on the orderly and lawful functioning of the College.
Campus Regulations & Judicial Procedures
- Students Rights & Responsibilities
- Rules for the Maintenance of Public Order
- Campus Regulations
- The Judicial Process
- Campus Safety and Security
