Student Group vs. Individual Behavior

Student groups can be held accountable for the individual actions of their members when this behavior is reasonably connected to the group. 

It is not necessarily the number of members involved in an activity that is crucial to a determination that the group is responsible. The inquiry is whether the activity is related to a student group rather than a private activity by persons who happen to be active and/or recognized members of the same student group. 

If one or more of the factors listed below is present, there may be a basis for finding the group responsible for the behavior of its members through the SGARB process.

A number of factors may be considered when determining a group’s responsibility for the individual actions of its members, including but not limited to the following:

Whether a member of a group violated the law or university policy and other members present failed to indicate their disapproval, or by their continued presence without objection implicitly condoned the behavior.

Whether the act(s) grew out of or were directly related to the group’s activities or an environment (either physical or in-person or online) created by the group.

Whether the act(s) were those of guests of a group, or by persons authorized or permitted to represent themselves as connected with the group.

Whether a group either intentionally or unintentionally created power dynamics and hazing occurred.

Whether the group or its leaders officially sanctioned or implicitly encouraged the activity even though they did not "officially” sanction it.

Whether a substantial number of the group’s members or leaders were aware, in advance, that the activity might take place.

Whether the group’s members or leaders were aware of the misconduct after the fact and did not take steps to correct the problem(s) that occurred.

Whether the group failed to document and/or utilize accountability mechanisms to address member behavior when it was not aligned with group standards and/or University policy.

Whether there have been previous similar incidents with members of the group.

If the group claims this is an isolated incident by renegade members, whether other members of the group also engaged in "isolated" incidents themselves, such that a pattern emerges from otherwise seemingly isolated incidents.

In order to ensure that student group behavior aligns with University and school policies, student leaders are expected to: 

  • Know, and seek to understand, the relevant University and school’s policies, as applicable, and expectations, communicating all relevant information to group members and other key stakeholders.
  • Establish healthy norms for the group congruent with the policies of the University and the schools.
  • Document and utilize accountability mechanisms to ensure healthy norms and uphold University and school policies and relevant laws.  

 

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