ACF Welcomes Proposed Conduct Rule Changes at UW

Alums for Campus Fairness (ACF) welcomes proposed changes to the University of Washington’s Student Conduct Code that could provide the university with stronger tools to address disruptive conduct and hold students accountable when protests cross the line into violations of university policy.

The proposed changes follow a series of disruptive anti-Israel protests on campus since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.

Among the proposed changes, the university would expand who may serve as an appeal officer, allowing staff members and outside contractors to fill the role. Appeals could also be decided by a single officer rather than requiring a panel.

The proposed rules would also allow the university to take disciplinary action against students who remain in a building or on university property after being ordered to leave by a university official or law enforcement officer. Under the proposed language, students who refuse to leave could also be held responsible in certain circumstances for prohibited conduct committed by others around them.

Additionally, the university could consider whether a student intentionally concealed their identity “for the purpose of evading or escaping discovery, recognition or identification while engaging in prohibited conduct” when determining an appropriate disciplinary sanction.

If adopted and applied fairly and proportionately, these changes could strengthen the university’s ability to respond to serious misconduct and enforce its existing standards. Students have the right to express their views and engage in peaceful protest, but that right does not extend to violating university policies, disrupting campus operations, or refusing lawful directives.

ACF will continue to follow the proposed changes as they move through the university’s review process. If incorporated into the Student Conduct Code, ACF will closely monitor whether UW applies its strengthened policies consistently during the new academic year and holds students accountable when their actions violate university standards.

About ACF: Alums for Campus Fairness (ACF) leverages the unique power of alumni to combat antisemitism on college campuses. ACF helps organize and cultivate alumni chapters for colleges and universities across the country, equipping members with tools, tactics, and training to proactively engage with administrators. Learn more at www.campusfairness.org.