University of Michigan Policy on Sexual Misconduct by Students

http://studentsexualmisconductpolicy.umich.edu/potential-sanctions-or-interventions

Potential Sanctions or Interventions

 Sanctions or interventions may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:

• Formal Reprimand: A formal notice that the student has violated University policy and that future violations may be dealt with more severely.
• Disciplinary Probation: A designated period of time during which the student is not in good standing with the University. The terms of probation may involve restrictions of student privileges and/or set specific behavioral expectations.
• Restitution: Reasonable and limited compensation for loss, damage, or injury to the appropriate party in the form of money or material replacement.
• Restriction from Employment at the University: Prohibition of or limitation on University employment.
• Class/Workshop/Training/Program Attendance: Enrollment in and completion of a class, workshop, training, or program that could help the student or the University community.
• Educational Project: Completion of a project specifically designed to help the student understand why certain behavior was inappropriate and to prevent its recurrence.
• University Housing Transfer or Removal: Placement in another room or housing unit or removal from University housing. Housing transfers or removals may be temporary or permanent depending on the circumstances.
• Professional Assessment: Completion of a professional assessment that could help the student or the University ascertain the student’s ongoing supervision or support needs to successfully participate in the University community.
• Removal from Specific Courses or Activities: Suspension or transfer from courses or activities at the University for a specified period of time.
• No Contact: Restriction from entering specific University areas and/or from all forms of contact with certain persons.
• Suspension: Separation from the University for a specified period of time or until certain conditions are met.
• Expulsion: Permanent separation from the University.

Let’s see some of these claims put into action with this whole Brendan Gibbons/Taylor Lewan debacle, huh?

“Sexual misconduct, including sexual assault and sexual harassment, will not be tolerated at the University of Michigan and is expressly prohibited.”

– U-M Policy on Sexual Misconduct by Students, Aug. 19, 2013

So does rape count as sexual misconduct?

In 2009, University of Michigan Football kicker Brendan Gibbons was arrested for raping a young girl at a frat party. A while later, Taylor Lewan, offensive lineman, sent text messages to Gibbons’ victim saying that he would rape her again if she pressed charges. U of M claims that these behaviors are “expressly prohibited” and “will not be tolerated”, so why do Gibbons and Lewan still wear the jersey. Gibbons is celebrated as a star kicker, and Lewan was named 2013 team captain, of all things.

There are many layers to this disgraceful situation. The University failed to respond appropriately to its students’ behavior, in direct violation of their own professed policy. Local media has failed to bring the situation into the public view. And, of course, the actions of Gibbons and Lewin are entirely unacceptable.

This blog does not exist to claim it has all the answers. It does exist to draw attention to this injustice that has been extremely skillfully pushed under the rug and to rally student support for the proper punishment to be executed against Gibbons and Lewin. As long as these types of incidences remain silent, they will continue happening.

Please visit the article written by Washtenaw Watchdogs at the begining of August of this year for more information, as well as this PDF copy of the police report: ann_arbor_police_report_re_gibbons

Related articles

• University of Michigan Captain – Rape Culture Wolverine (bradthebastard.wordpress.com)
• The Student Athlete’s Guide to Not Raping Anyone (jezebel.com)