"For the accused, justice requires the opportunity to hear and understand the charge, cross-examine those who are making the charge have a fair and speedy trial, and have an opportunity to repair the wrong if found guilty."
- Thomas Jefferson
The Students and Administration Equality Act is legislation created for the purpose of protecting the rights of students and student organizations on college campuses by giving students the right to hire a lawyer so they may be able to adequately defend themselves during any disciplinary procedure with college administrators.
Prior to this legislation, many campus administrators disallowed students the right to an attorney or have an advisor present when when facing allegations of misconduct. Many students felt the investigative tactics often used by administrators were inappropriate, imtimidating and in some cases abusive.
North Carolina was the first state to originate this protection when the legislature passed the bill on July 26, 2013 with bipartisan support. Arkansas became the second state and North Dakota soon followed and adopted similar legislation in April of 2015 with overwhelming support from both political parties. Many other states are now considering passage but are being met with organized opposition from college administrators and a special interest group called the Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA). The advocates for this effort are especially appreciative of the support of The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (F.I.R.E.) in their continuous involvement to help preserve liberty on campuses across America.
This website provides the background that led to the enactment of this protection and encourages other states to adopt similar laws that prevent violations of the very basic rights that we were all granted by the Constitution of the United States of America.
Prior to this legislation, many campus administrators disallowed students the right to an attorney or have an advisor present when when facing allegations of misconduct. Many students felt the investigative tactics often used by administrators were inappropriate, imtimidating and in some cases abusive.
North Carolina was the first state to originate this protection when the legislature passed the bill on July 26, 2013 with bipartisan support. Arkansas became the second state and North Dakota soon followed and adopted similar legislation in April of 2015 with overwhelming support from both political parties. Many other states are now considering passage but are being met with organized opposition from college administrators and a special interest group called the Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA). The advocates for this effort are especially appreciative of the support of The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (F.I.R.E.) in their continuous involvement to help preserve liberty on campuses across America.
This website provides the background that led to the enactment of this protection and encourages other states to adopt similar laws that prevent violations of the very basic rights that we were all granted by the Constitution of the United States of America.
.. nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law ...
- The United States Constitution
STATES THAT HAVE PASSED LEGISLATION GIVING STUDENTS THE RIGHT TO HIRE A LAWYER
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LAW ENACTED North Carolina (2013) Arkansas (2015) North Dakota (2015) Massachusetts is the latest state considering “right to counsel” bill in their state legislature to protect due process for students and student organizations 
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“Students across America are regularly tried in campus courts for serious offenses like theft, harassment, and even rape. Being labeled a felon and kicked out by your college carries serious, life-altering consequences. Because the stakes are so high, students should have the benefit of an attorney to ensure the hearing is conducted fairly and by the rules,”
Robert Shibley, F.I.R.E. Executive Director
