Students rights, right now

The rules that guide due process for students are open to change, but the opportunity to improve the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Conduct will close in a week. Student ideas are critical to preserving student rights, and there is not a moment to lose in speaking up.\nThe Bloomington Faculty Council has to vote Mar. 1 on revisions to the code, and the revisions will go to the University Faculty Council. A week is all the time left for student leaders to stand up for student rights. The code probably won't be changed again for about 10 years, so it is crucial for our leaders to speak right now on behalf of students. Despite being in the midst of elections, the current IUSA administration can leave a looming legacy by making sure the faculty council hears from students about changes to the code. \nHowever, IUSA is not the only group of student leaders on campus. Other student groups should contribute to the conversation, too. The most important thing is for the BFC to hear student input before the student code is fixed for the next decade. But the BFC cannot respond to student input if students don't articulate their opinions.\nThe code, available at www.dsa.indiana.edu/Code/, addresses issues related to every part of campus life. It affects all students, all the time. This document governs what students can and cannot do, including classroom matters and partying. \nAlthough the document's five dozen pages have a lot of points that need re-evaluation, one particularly concerning aspect of the current code says a student's off-campus conduct is just as subject to punishment as on-campus behavior if it somehow compromises the University's mission. We love this University and want its reputation to be as strong as possible, but the current code of rights goes too far in extending the University's power past the Sample Gates. That point is just one that needs revision in the next week and a half.\nWe applaud the BFC for working to cut the document by more than 75 percent, from 66 printed pages to 14. Improving justice means making it accessible, but faculty and students alike should ensure that size is not minimized at the expense of justice. Details are important, so the reduction in length must be balanced with careful distinctions. Generalizations will not help students follow rules and won't help administrators dole out punishment. \nThe BFC has already talked about changes to shorten the code, but every part demands examination. If the code is passed without student input and we are disappointed with the results, it will be students' fault, not the BFC's problem. Ever had an unfair confrontation with the campus judicial system? Do something about it. Think plagiarism needs a better definition? Say so. Even if you don't have a fancy title in a student organization, you can still contribute ideas at www.indiana.edu/~ufc/.