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Inside Iowa State, a newspaper for faculty and staff, is published by the Office of University Relations.

April 15, 2005

Comments sought on proposals for riot-related misconduct

by Diana Pounds

Iowa State officials propose to add several provisions on riot-related misconduct and punishment to student disciplinary regulations. The Board of Regents, State of Iowa, also has proposed changes to the state administrative code to allow regents universities to punish students and employees for misbehavior during riots.

The university community and the public will have the opportunity to comment on both proposals during an April 21 public forum on campus.

Student disciplinary regulations

Proposed changes to Iowa State's student disciplinary regulations reflect recommendations from a task force that studied an April 2004 riot that marred ISU's traditional spring Veishea celebration.

Among proposed changes are rules that would:

  • Forbid interference with police and emergency personnel during a riot
  • Permit interim suspension of students who participate in or encourage mass violence
  • Categorize riot-related activities as "serious" misconduct

Iowa Administrative Code

In a similar move aimed at curbing and punishing riotous behavior, the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, has proposed changes to the Iowa Administrative Code. The changes would allow regents universities to punish students and employees for riot-related misconduct during university-authorized events or for riot-related misconduct that occurs in any of the three university cities.

The proposed rule changes incorporate state laws requiring crowds to disperse during a riot, said university counsel Paul Tanaka.

The regents have proposed the rules changes to "provide very clear notice" to all members of campus communities, Tanaka said.

Public comments

Public comments on proposed changes in both ISU student disciplinary regulations and the Iowa Administrative Code will be sought during the April 21 forum, from 7 to 9 p.m. in 1115 Pearson. Comments also can be mailed to Bethany Schuttinga, bschutti@iastate.edu, or Paul Tanaka, ptanaka@iastate.edu.

An additional public hearing for statewide discussion of the regent-proposed changes to the Iowa code will be telecast over the Iowa Telecommunications Network from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, May 6. The ISU community can participate in that hearing at N147 Lagomarcino.

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