Conduct Code

The following policies set expectations for student conduct and behavior in order to support a positive living and learning environment.

Violations and alleged violations will be investigated and adjudicated according to the College’s Student Conduct Process. Those who do not comply will be subject to disciplinary action by the College and, where applicable, may face action by federal, state, and/or local authorities.

Sarah Lawrence College observes all federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing the sale, purchase, and/or use of alcohol and other drugs. See Appendix 4. The College expects that these laws will be adhered to at all events associated with the College. The College cannot and will not protect any member of the Sarah Lawrence community who has broken federal, state, and/or local law.

Residents must adhere to all New York State laws and Sarah Lawrence College policies concerning alcohol use. These policies stipulate that individuals under the age of 21 are not permitted to possess or consume any alcoholic beverages.

Students (both residential and nonresidential) and guests who are 21 years of age or older are permitted to possess and consume alcoholic beverages within Sarah Lawrence residence halls, provided they adhere to the outlined prohibited behaviors in section 1.1

Additionally, students who are of legal drinking age and bring alcohol into a residence hall or have alcohol in their possession within a residence hall are accountable for ensuring its lawful use. This responsibility includes taking appropriate measures to prevent underage students and guests from possessing alcohol.

Marijuana, in any form, is not allowed on campus. Any student found possessing, using, or being in the presence of marijuana will be referred to the Student Conduct Process and may face disciplinary sanctions. Additionally, items like water pipes, bongs, hookahs, and other drug-related paraphernalia are also banned. Under the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, a federal law, marijuana remains classified as an illegal substance, and schools must prohibit it on campus. Therefore, Sarah Lawrence, in accordance with federal law, does not allow the possession, use, or distribution of marijuana in any form or for any purpose on campus.

The possession or use of narcotics or other controlled substances, or the misuse of prescribed medications and other legal substances, is strictly prohibited. Students are required to comply with federal and New York State laws concerning the use, possession, sale, and distribution of controlled substances.

1.1 Prohibited Behaviors — Alcohol

Some of these behaviors may also be violations of local, state, and federal laws and may be subject to off-campus legal action. See Appendix 4.

Category A

Consumption and/or possession of alcohol by an individual under the age of 21. Possession of an open container of alcohol in public, regardless of age.

Category B

Participating in or sponsoring activities that encourage excessive consumption (e.g., drinking games or contests). Possession of mass consumption containers (e.g., kegs, beer balls, beer bongs). Providing alcohol to an individual under the age of 21. Providing alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated.

Selling or distributing alcohol in the residence halls is not allowed. This ban includes, but is not limited to, cash bars; events where tickets are sold or fees are charged (such as entertainment fees or membership dues); fees for access to an open bar; and parties where alcohol is served and contributions or donations to cover party expenses are requested.

Category C

Consumption of alcohol that causes a disruption to the community or necessitates assistance from others but does not require medical intervention (e.g., ER evaluation).

Activities that encourage or involve the rapid, hazardous, or coerced consumption of alcohol (such as drinking games) are strictly prohibited.

Category D

Consumption of alcohol that necessitates medical intervention (e.g., ER evaluation).

1.2 Prohibited Behaviors — Other Drugs

Some of these behaviors may also be violations of local, state, and federal laws and may be subject to off-campus legal action. See Appendix 4.

Category A

• Possession or use of illegal drugs
• Possession or use of legal drugs not lawfully prescribed for the individual
• Intentional misuse of legally prescribed drugs
• Possession or use of drug paraphernalia

Category B

Use of drugs that leads to medical intervention

Category C

Intent to distribute or distribution (including purchase, sale, illegal transfer, or gifting) of legal or illegal drugs, including prescription medication

1.3 Good Samaritan Policy

We expect that all community members will take active steps to protect the safety and well-being of other community members. To ensure that students receive prompt and appropriate medical attention for alcohol or other drug intoxication, and to reduce impediments to seeking such assistance, the College has instituted this Good Samaritan Policy.

The Good Samaritan Policy applies when:

• Students request medical assistance for themselves by contacting Campus Safety or other College officials.
• Student(s) request medical assistance for another student.
• A student remains cooperative with each step of the process, as outlined below.

The Good Samaritan Policy does not apply when:

• A student violates other College policies beyond the Alcohol and Other Drugs policy.
• Action by police or other law enforcement personnel takes place.
• A student possesses drugs with the intent to sell.

If the Good Samaritan Policy has been applied for a prior incident, it is at the discretion of the dean of student life or a designee whether a subsequent incident also falls under the Good Samaritan Policy.

In lieu of formal disciplinary action, the student requiring medical attention will meet with a Student Life staff member to discuss the incident. The student requiring medical attention will be referred to Health & Wellness for a consultation and should complete any resulting treatment recommendations in a timely manner. Students who requested medical assistance for a peer may also receive outreach from Student Life offering support and resources. Additionally, if applicable, the students will not face disciplinary action.

Sarah Lawrence’s Good Samaritan Policy extends only to the College conduct process and does not guarantee protection from criminal or civil penalties. Sarah Lawrence’s Good Samaritan Policy is intended to support New York State’s Good Samaritan Law, which is designed to encourage individuals to call 911 in the event of an alcohol or drug-related emergency.

2.1 Bias-Related Incidents

An event that targets and/or denigrates a member or members of the College community on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, gender, national origin, ancestry, gender identity or expression, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, language, or citizenship can constitute a bias incident. Such incidents need not rise to a criminal level in order to violate Sarah Lawrence policies or other applicable antidiscrimination laws. If you believe you are the victim of, or witness to, a bias incident, you may report it using the Bias Incident Report found on MySLC. Please visit the DEI website on MySLC for FAQs about bias-incident reporting. You may also contact the Student Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Office at studentdeib@sarahlawrence.edu for information and/or support.

2.2 Bias-Related Crimes

Any crime committed by a defendant against a victim when that victim (either a person or an institution) is intentionally selected, in whole or substantial part, because of that victim’s perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation or expression is considered a hate or bias crime.

Federal and state laws specifically regulate crimes that are motivated by hate or bias, and the College is required to report them to the local police. Any bias-related crime against a member of our community is viewed as an attack on the entire community and will not be tolerated. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors are encouraged to immediately report all bias-related crimes by contacting Campus Safety at 914.395.2222. You may also contact the Student Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Office at studentdeib@sarahlawrence.edu for information and/or support.

To help ensure an environment free of such hateful acts, the College has enacted policies and procedures that specifically deal with bias-related crimes.

Possible penalties for bias-related crimes committed by faculty or staff include warnings, formal reprimands, suspension without pay, or termination of employment.

Note: If the bias crime involves an alleged sexual assault, the Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct Policy will be followed and will supersede the College’s bias-related crime policy and procedures. See Title IX and Gender-Based Misconduct Policy.

Under the NYS Hate Crimes Act of 2000 (Section 485.05 of the NYS Penal Code), in addition to the criminal charges and the penalties a perpetrator must face for the “crime” element of a hate crime, the law allows for additional charges for the “hate” element as well. This significantly increases the crime the perpetrator is charged with as well as the penalties and time of imprisonment if convicted.

2.4 Guests

A campus guest is defined as any person who is not affiliated with Sarah Lawrence College as a current student or employee. All campus guests must conform to all College regulations. Those who do not will be required to leave. In the event of violations of law or noncompliance with a request to leave, a guest may be considered a trespasser and Campus Safety will be notified. Student hosts are responsible for the behavior of their guests, including guest behavior that violates Sarah Lawrence Student Code of Conduct and established community standards.

At no time is it acceptable for a resident to be deprived of sleep, privacy, or study accommodations due to the presence of another student’s guest.

Students who are banned from Sarah Lawrence College are not allowed to be in and/or around any College residences, including student apartment buildings. Residential Life staff have full authority to limit guests in a room, reject guests, or dismiss guests if, in their judgment, the health and safety of students are being jeopardized and/or reasonable standards of behavior are being violated.

With respect to guests within residential facilities, this policy does not apply to Facilities personnel, authorized contractors, Campus Safety, Residential Life staff, or any other College employee or agent who must enter a residential area as part of their College duties (i.e., to assist students and maintain/secure Sarah Lawrence College property).

Residential students must also abide by the additional guest policies listed in the Residential Life and Housing Policies section.

2.5 Physical Assault

Physical assault is defined as striking, shoving, kicking, or otherwise subjecting another person to physical contact that causes harm, is harassing, or alarms that person. Physical assault also includes hitting a person with anything thrown or propelled.

Individuals who believe they have been physically assaulted should seek immediate assistance by contacting Campus Safety at 914.395.2222. If medical assistance is required, contact Health & Wellness at 914.395.2350 during business hours or Campus Safety at 914.395.2222 at any time.

2.6 Non-Discriminatory Harassment

Threatening, harassing, bullying, or intimidating a person, whether verbally, in writing, or through electronic or other means, is prohibited.

2.7 On-Campus Demonstration or Protest

Sarah Lawrence respects students’ rights to express their views through peaceful protests, marches, sit-ins, and other forms of expression. Any form of on-campus protesting that violates College policies or federal, state, or local laws, or substantially disrupts or interferes with the College’s educational activities, operations, programs, or events or the rights of others is prohibited. Prior to engaging in demonstration or protest of any type, students should read through the following guidelines carefully. 

Forms of Expression 
Depending on the circumstances and location, permissible forms of expression may include: 

• Peaceful protests, rallies, marches, sit-ins, vigils, and counter-protests.
• Holding signs or banners.
• Distributing flyers or other literature and gathering signatures for petitions.
• Organizing teach-ins, discussions, counter-programming, or alternative speakers.
• Peacefully protesting outside an event without blocking access or disrupting the event.
• Engaging in silent or symbolic protest during an event, such as wearing clothing or symbols expressing a viewpoint, turning one’s back to a speaker, or participating in a non-disruptive walkout.

These examples are illustrative rather than exhaustive. All forms of expression remain subject to applicable College policies.

Expectations for Protests and Demonstrations
Students must always, during any form of protest (including, but not limited to, sit-ins, strikes, and demonstrations), abide by all policies in the Student Handbook.

Actions taken during protests, sit-ins, strikes, demonstrations, or other forms of expression shall not: 

1. Disrupt, impair, or interfere with functions of the College including, but not limited to, scheduled classes, administrative operations, college events, or students' ability to attend classes or complete coursework.
2. Deny the rights of students, faculty, staff, or guests of the College.
3. Prevent others from accessing any part of a building on the campus.
4. Block fire exits (e.g., doors to hallways, entrances, and any area that leads to an outside door) or prop open fire doors (i.e., those that help contain a fire).
5. Endanger the safety of any campus community members.
6. Destroy or damage property, including removing, tampering with, adhering something to, vandalizing (including etching, painting, drawing upon, or otherwise marking something without permission), or otherwise altering property owned, operated, or controlled by the College or one of its members. This includes windows, flagpoles, signs, doors, and lawns.
7. Occupy a campus building outside of business/operating hours (administrative and academic buildings are typically open Monday to Friday from 8.30a.m. to 5.30p.m.).
8. Disrupt or substantially interfere with a scheduled speaker, program, performance, meeting, or other College event. Students are free to express disagreement with speakers and events, including through peaceful protest and symbolic expression, but may not prevent or substantially interfere with a speaker’s ability to speak or perform, or with attendees’ ability to see, hear, participate in, enter, or leave an event.
   
   Examples: Conduct that may violate this policy include sustained shouting, chanting, amplified sound, or other noise that prevents a speaker from being heard; repeatedly interrupting a speaker after being asked to stop; obstructing attendees’ views for a sustained period; blocking aisles, entrances, or exits; or otherwise preventing an event from proceeding.

Students may engage in planned or spontaneous counter-protests. Protesters and counter-protesters are subject to the same College policies and may not substantially interfere with one another's ability to engage in permissible expression.

Planning a Protest or Demonstration
Students planning a protest, demonstration, rally, or other organized event are expected to reserve campus spaces through the same processes applicable to other student events and activities. Advance planning and space reservations help the College avoid conflicts with scheduled activities and identify appropriate locations for gatherings.

When planning the location and timing of a protest or demonstration, students should be mindful of classes and other activities taking place nearby and may consult the Course Schedules on MySLC for details.

The College also recognizes that events may prompt spontaneous expression or protest for which advance planning is not practical. Spontaneous protests and demonstrations may take place without an advance reservation when they do not conflict with a previously scheduled use of the space, substantially disrupt College activities or operations, or otherwise violate College policies. When necessary, College staff may direct participants to an alternative location or make other reasonable adjustments to allow the expression to continue while protecting previously scheduled activities and the rights of others.

Examples: Students who plan a rally several days in advance should reserve the desired location through the normal process. Students who gather spontaneously in response to a developing campus or world event generally may do so without an advance reservation, provided the gathering does not interfere with a previously scheduled activity or otherwise violate College policy. If the location is already reserved or the gathering substantially interferes with nearby classes or activities, College staff may ask participants to relocate.

Students who are unsure whether an activity requires a space reservation or have questions about planning a protest or demonstration are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership (OSIL) for guidance.

Use of Campus Spaces and Materials: 

1. Encampments and tents are not permitted on campus at any time. 
2. Students may distribute flyers and collect names for petitions. If students wish to post flyers or posters, or hang banners on campus, they must be stamped at the BWCC Information Desk or be approved by OSIL staff. Students should refer to the Student Handbook for more information on approved posting materials and locations. Chalking and stickers are not permitted.

Guests and Identification
All guests must adhere to College policies and regulations and may be required to leave campus if they do not comply. If guests are invited to an event on campus by a student, that student is responsible for the behavior of their invited guests, including those invited through social media. Guests must be accompanied by their SLC host and carry a photo ID at all times. A campus guest is defined as any person who is not affiliated with Sarah Lawrence College as a current student or employee.

A valid Sarah Lawrence College ID card is required for identification, and must be presented upon request, at any time, to any authorized College personnel. Guests to campus must also present their photo ID upon request of any authorized College personnel. Failure of a guest to present ID when asked will result in removal from the campus. 

Student Affairs and Campus Safety Support
Student Affairs staff and Campus Safety personnel are typically present during scheduled protests to assist with any questions or concerns. Staff may also provide reminders about campus policies, such as keeping fire exits clear or maintaining a considerate volume near ongoing classes. In case of an emergency, students should immediately contact the nearest Campus Safety staff member or call 914-395-2222.

Student Conduct Process
Student Affairs staff may, at their discretion, give students verbal reminders whenever possible to help students avoid potential disciplinary action. Repeated violations or potentially serious violations (e.g., those causing or having the potential to cause health and safety concerns) may be referred to the conduct process with or without a prior warning.

2.8 Retaliation

Threats or other forms of intimidation and/or retaliation against a student or employee, or their family or friends, for bringing a complaint of any alleged violation of College policy, for assisting another person with bringing a complaint, or for participating in the investigation and/or Student Conduct Process are prohibited.

All incidents that are believed to constitute retaliation committed by or against a student should be reported immediately using the Residential Life Incident Reporting form found on MySLC (https://cm.maxient.com/ reportingform.php?SarahLawrence&layout_id=100).

2.9 Unauthorized Use or Misuse of Electronic Devices

The College places certain limitations on the use of personal technology devices on campus. Electronic devices, including but not limited to cellular phones, digital cameras, laptops, tablets, and pagers, shall not be used in a manner that causes disruption in the classroom, library, or any College-owned or College-operated facility, except as approved by an instructor or College official. Electronic devices shall not be used for the purpose of unauthorized recording, including photographing, filming, audio recording, or any other recording via any technology. Unauthorized recording includes recording of test questions, class work, or projects or for other prohibited or illegal activity; recording individuals in secured areas, such as restrooms, locker rooms, or other premises and/or circumstances where there is an expectation of privacy; recording any individual against their will; and recording private, nonpublic conversations, as well as meetings, classroom activities, or other nonpublic educational settings, without the knowledge and consent of all participants.

Students must use the internet, electronic communications, and social media responsibly. Prohibited conduct, including harassment of any kind, online or via electronic communications, is a violation of the Code and is a potential violation of the law, regardless of whether the conduct occurs using Sarah Lawrence network or computer facilities.

The use of undisclosed or hidden recording devices is prohibited in any circumstance where knowledge and consent of all participants would be required. Class audio recordings may be made only for personal use and only with consent of the professor of the class, and students in the class should generally be informed when a class may be subject to recording. Students requesting recording as an accommodation for a disability should contact Access and Disability Services.

3.1 Damage/Graffiti/Unauthorized Use of Property

Students are expected not to cause damage to or otherwise vandalize College property or property owned or controlled by a community member. Violations include, but are not limited to, damaging, removing, tampering with, adhering something to, vandalizing (including etching, painting, drawing upon, or otherwise marking something without permission) or otherwise altering property owned, operated, or controlled by the College or one of its members. This includes, but is not limited to, fire safety and electronic security devices, such as smoke detectors, carbon- monoxide detectors, emergency phones, windows, elevators, flagpoles, signs, doors, gardens, lawns, and landscapes.

Unauthorized use includes entering attics and climbing on roofs, balconies, or fire escapes, except in emergencies. Students are also prohibited from storing items on or otherwise blocking these spaces. Additionally, students are prohibited from entering or exiting buildings through windows. No object may be dropped or thrown from windows or rooftops.

3.2 Housing License Agreement

Students residing in Sarah Lawrence residence halls are bound by the policies and procedures of the Code of Conduct, as well as by the Housing License Agreement. The License Agreement can be found on the Residential Life MySLC page.

3.3 Theft/Unauthorized Possession

Sarah Lawrence community members are expected to respect College property, the private property of others, and the property of the larger community in which we live. Violations of this policy include, but are not limited to, the theft or attempted theft of property or services owned or controlled by the College or a community member of the College; unauthorized possession or improper use of personal property, College property, and buildings; and unauthorized or improper use of College facilities.

3.4 Trespass/Unauthorized Persons on Campus

Sarah Lawrence College buildings, grounds, and facilities are for the use of Sarah Lawrence community members and their registered guests and other guests of the College. Being a member of the community or a guest does not give an individual unlimited access to all areas of the College at all times of the day. In certain situations, a person’s legal right to be on Sarah Lawrence College property or in a specific area/building may be rescinded by Sarah Lawrence officials. Individuals who fail to leave immediately after being asked to do so by a College official may be charged with trespassing.

Behaviors considered to be violations of this policy include, but are not limited to:

• The entry or attempted entry of, or remaining in, any College-owned or -operated building, area of a building, or facility without authorization or the legal right to do so.
• The unauthorized possession, duplication, or use of keys or ID cards, including the use of such to enter or use any College facility.

3.5 Misappropriation/Unauthorized Use

The unauthorized use of College resources is prohibited. Resources include College property, documents, and records; Sarah Lawrence student ID cards; computer systems, equipment, and other materials.

4.1 Compliance

Students must comply with the requests of College officials, including, but not limited to, requests for responses, meetings, trainings, identification, assigned sanctions, or information. Violations of this policy also include lying to a College official, failing to provide relevant information, and/or fleeing when approached by a College official.

4.2 Dishonesty and Falsification of Information

Students are expected to be honest with and produce truthful information to the College and/or College officials. Students will be considered in violation of this policy if they:

• Lie or furnish false information to the College or to College officials, including resident advisers
• Are aware of false information being furnished by others with the intent to deceive (and do not correct that false information in a timely manner)
• Withhold information pertinent to student misconduct
• Alter, misuse, enter any false information, or forge signatures on any official documents or College resources, including, but not limited to, registration forms, audit forms, academic transcripts, drop/add forms, or electronic communication
• Alter or have in their possession an altered identification card of any form
• Counterfeit, forge, or fabricate official documents, paperwork, and/or electronic communications
• Intentionally issue a bad check/payment or other financial instrument in order to remove a hold, register for classes, or receive an official transcript or diploma
• Provide false information or fail to provide current information for the purpose of defrauding Sarah Lawrence College or other parties

4.3 Disruptive Behavior

Students should refrain from behavior that disrupts, impairs, interferes with, or obstructs the orderly conduct, processes, and functions of the College, including, but not limited to, classes, performances, meetings, and events; self-destructive conduct that may impact the larger community; and interference with the rights of others to freely enter, use, or leave any College facility, service, or activity.

4.4 False Identification

Students are expected not to possess false identification or falsely identify themselves. Possessing false identification is a Class D Felony (170.10 of the NYS Penal Code—Forgery in the Second Degree or 170.25 of the NYS Penal Code—Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree).

4.5 Fire Safety

Any conduct that creates a fire or creates a foreseeable risk of fire is prohibited, even if no fire is intended or does occur, including, but not limited to, unsafe cooking. Students are expected to follow all Fire Safety policies, as outlined in the General College Policies section of this handbook.

4.6 Freedom of Expression

At Sarah Lawrence College, freedom of expression is a core value that fosters an environment of open dialogue and intellectual growth. However, this freedom must be exercised responsibly, ensuring that it does not harm others, infringe upon their rights, or violate College policies. Specifically, free expression must not:

• Cause injury or violate the rights of any member of the College community
• Damage institutional facilities
• Disrupt classes or other College activities or business

This policy encompasses all forms of communication, including but not limited to oral, written, and electronic media (such as social media). Violations of this policy will be addressed through the appropriate disciplinary process.

4.7 Hazing

The College defines hazing as any action taken or situation created that, regardless of location or consent of the participants, recklessly or intentionally endangers mental or physical health or involves forced use of alcohol and/or other drugs for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with any organization at the College. Hazing includes, but is not limited to, physical and psychological shocks, morally degrading or humiliating games and activities, coerced or forced illegal acts, personal servitude, and sexual harassment.

According to the New York State Penal Code, “a person is guilty of hazing in the first degree when, in the course of another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person and thereby causes such injury.”

The College prohibits all forms of hazing, and any instances of hazing should be reported immediately to Campus Safety at 914.395.2222. Complete details of the College’s Anti-Hazing policy are available on the website.

4.8 Principles for Mutual Respect

All Sarah Lawrence Community members are expected to abide by the Principles for Mutual Respect, as outlined in this handbook.

4.9 Weapons/Hazardous Materials/Chemicals

The use, possession, and storage of any weapons of any kind (e.g., firearms, ammunition, air guns, knives, bows and arrows, replicas of such), including those defined in Sections 265.01(3) and 265.06 of the New York State Penal Code, are strictly prohibited on campus. Exceptions, for educational purposes only, must be arranged in advance via written approval by the assistant vice president of Campus Safety.

Dangerous materials or chemicals, flammable liquids, or explosive materials (except as specifically authorized in Sarah Lawrence-supervised activities) or items that pose a potential hazard to the safety or health of others (including, but not limited to, explosive devices and firecrackers) are prohibited on campus, including in residence halls. Pepper spray and mace must be securely stored and may not be misused or otherwise used in any way other than good-faith uses for their intended purposes.