ASUA resolution in works for adding sexual assault code

Nicholas Valenzuela Arizona Daily Wildcat Political Science major Morgan Long speaks to ASUA about the Sexual Assault Resolution yesterday in the Rincon Room of the Memorial Student Union. The Sexual Assault Resolution which ASUA passed is meant to bring about revision in the Student Code of Conduct by spring 2000.

Morgan Long, a spokeswoman for Campus Acquaintance Rape Educators, wrote the resolution that calls for a definition of sexual assault to include situations where the victim is incapable of giving consent due to mental disorder, drugs, alcohol or other im-pairments.

It would also expand the definition to include off-campus incidents in which students are involved.

The resolution pushes for a change in the Code of Conduct by spring 2000, and for Arizona Board of Regents approval by fall 2000. The current code does not address sexual assault.

Long, a political science senior, said the deans of students from Arizona's three state universities plan to work tomorrow on updating the Code of Conduct. Although the administrators are planning to include an article on sexual assault, the regents need to be educated about the issue, she said.

"The Board of Regents needs to hear that this is an issue for students," Long said.

CARE Director Whitney Grese told senators the Code of Conduct should be in accordance with state law.

"Arizona state (has) a zero tolerance law," Grese said. "Someone intoxicated is unable to give consent."

If the University of Arizona recognizes sexual assault, students may feel more comfortable reporting the crimes to university officials, Long said.

"You want to hold students to a higher level," she said. "It's a different environment (than a court system)."

Approving the resolution will "definitely" influence administrators when they review the Code of Conduct, Long said.

"It's a victory for the students," she said.

Dean of Students Melissa Vito and Alexis Hernandez, associate dean of students, could not be reached last night for comment.

Erin Mahoney can be reached via e-mail at Erin.Mahoney@wildcat.arizona.edu.