Executive Committee of the Student Body

March 1, 2008

Statement from the Executive Committee Condemning Sexual Violence

In response to a call from members of the University community to raise the profile of the Student Faculty Hearing Board (SFHB) and condemn sexual violence at Washington and Lee, the Executive Committee of the Student Body states that sexual violence, including sexual assault and rape, is not just a private matter. Such behavior endangers the trust that each of us owes to one another. Sexual violence is unacceptable in society generally and is especially discordant with Washington and Lee’s culture of honor and integrity.

The Executive Committee retains jurisdiction over all activities that the Student Body deems dishonorable. In recognition of the sensitive nature of sexual violence cases, the Board of Trustees created the Student Faculty Hearing Board as a specially trained forum to adjudicate such matters. Consequently, the Executive Committee may choose either to hear cases brought to them involving allegations of sexual violence or to forward those cases to the SFHB. As a punishment for sexual violence cases, the SFHB may choose to impose dismissal from the University.

Minutes from the March 3rd, 2008 Executive Committee Meeting
•President Josh Payne called the meeting to order at 7:03pm.

• Piquet Thengtrirat came in front of the EC to ask for money to attend the National Table Tennis Tournament in Minnesota. The EC agreed to help Thengtrirat represent W&L in this prestigious event.

• Yinyan Li reported on Traveller’s progress on implementing the Twomey Commission suggestions. She asked for the EC to arrange a meeting between Traveller and the Cabins’ landlord. Junior Representatives Rich Cleary and John Christopher agreed to do so. Li also asked the EC to spread the word that the proposed five-mile radius limitation for Traveller was NOT in effect.

• The EC approved the minutes from the last meeting.

• Payne congratulated President-elect Rich Cleary and Secretary-elect John Twomey on their recent election victory.

• Payne reminded all underclassmen EC members that the mandatory election meeting for class representatives would be Wednesday, March 12th at 6:30pm.

• Payne adjourned the meeting into closed session at 7:28pm.

• Payne reopened the meeting at 7:45pm.

• Payne adjourned the meeting at 7:49pm.

Minutes from the March 18th, 2008 Executive Committee Meeting
(Ledlie and Ram tardiness excused)

• President Josh Payne called the meeting to order at 7:11pm.

• Payne informed the EC that the mother of Tom Borda ’06 passed away. Payne sent a note to Tom on behalf of the EC.

• Payne updated the EC on the Twomey Commission changes to the Traveller route. Payne also informed the EC that the weekend Walmart trips will come out of Dean Futrell’s budget next year, rather than Traveller’s as the EC was originally told.

• Payne reported progress on the classroom access front, in that Provost Aprille has organized a committee to designate certain rooms to be open after hours.

• Payne informed the EC of his conversation with Provost Aprille regarding plagiarism. Aprille agreed with the EC that plagiarism can differ from course to course, so it is important for faculty members to state their expectations as clearly as possible.

• The EC approved the minutes from the last meeting.

• Payne adjourned the meeting into closed session at 7:35pm.

• Payne reopened the meeting at 8:30pm.

• The EC congratulated Secretary Jane Ledlie on her Celebrating Student Success award.

• Payne adjourned the meeting at 8:37pm.