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.