Resolution Calling for Ithaca College to Enact a Medical Amnesty Policy.
WHEREAS, A Medical Amnesty Policy seeks to reduce the potentially life threatening
consequences of alcohol and other drug abuse by minimizing the barriers to seeking
medical assistance for alcohol and other drug-related emergencies; and
WHEREAS, under the current policy students may be reluctant to seek help in such
emergencies because of the possibility of incurring College judicial sanctions; and
WHEREAS, a Medical Amnesty Policy would exemplify the College's priority for
students' health and safety by increasing the likelihood that students will call for
help when it is needed. A Medical Amnesty Policy also promotes
education/treatment for individuals who receive emergency medical attention, in
order to reduce the likelihood of future occurrences. A Medical Amnesty Policy
would be part of Ithaca College’s comprehensive approach to reducing the harmful
consequences of alcohol and other drug use by students. Now therefore be it
RESOLVED, The Student Government Association and Students for a Sensible Drug
Policy call upon Ithaca College to create a MEDICAL AMNESTY POLICY. This policy
will exempt students who seek emergency medical attention, for themselves or for
someone else, as related to his or her use of alcohol or other drugs, from College
judicial sanctions. The exemption will be granted by the Assistant Director of
Judicial Affairs or other College official, subject to the following conditions:
A. It is expected that the student(s) receiving amnesty will be compliant with
other College standards. The Policy does not preclude disciplinary action for
concurrent violations including, but not limited to, disorderly conduct,
combative or threatening behavior, failure to comply with campus
authorities, damage to property, hazing, etc. Medical Amnesty only applies to
violations of the Ithaca College Code of Conduct. It does not grant amnesty
for criminal, civil, or legal consequences for violations of federal, state or
local law.
B. The person(s) receiving medical assistance must agree to timely and
successful completion of a required alcohol or drug education program,
assessment, and/or treatment as determined by the level of concern. Failure
to complete this requirement, and/or more than one incident, will result in
judicial sanctions as determined on a case-by-case basis by Judicial Affairs
officials.
C. The tracking of incidents and compliance with follow-up programs will
continue to be the responsibility of the Office of Judicial Affairs.
RESOLVED, a copy of this resolution will be publicized to the students of Ithaca
College in print and online, in an effort to make students aware of this new life
saving policy.
Drafted 11.09, revised 12.09, 1.10, 2.10, 5.10