The Otis College community encourages the reporting of misconduct and crimes by Complainants and witnesses. Sometimes, Complainants or witnesses are hesitant to report to Otis College officials or participate in resolution processes because they fear that they themselves may be in violation of certain policies, such as underage drinking or use of illicit drugs at the time of the incident. Respondents may hesitate to be forthcoming during the process for the same reasons.
It is in the best interests of the Otis College community that Complainants choose to report misconduct to Otis College officials, that witnesses come forward to share what they know, and that all parties be forthcoming during the process.
To encourage reporting and participation in the process, Otis College maintains a policy of offering parties and witnesses amnesty from minor policy violations–such as underage consumption of alcohol or the use of illicit drugs–related to the incident.
Amnesty does not apply to more serious allegations such as physical abuse of another or illicit drug distribution. [The decision not to offer amnesty to a Respondent is based on neither sex nor gender, but on the fact that collateral misconduct is typically addressed for all students within a progressive discipline system, and the rationale for amnesty – the incentive to report serious misconduct – is rarely applicable to Respondent with respect to a Complainant.]
Students
Sometimes, students are hesitant to assist others for fear that they may get in trouble themselves (for example, an underage student who has been drinking or using marijuana might hesitate to help take an individual who has experienced sexual assault to the Police or a Mandated Reporter.
Otis College maintains a policy of amnesty for students who offer help to others in need.[Although policy violations cannot be overlooked, the Otis College may provide purely educational options with no official disciplinary finding, rather than punitive sanctions, to those who offer their assistance to others in need.
Employees
Sometimes, employees are hesitant to report sexual harassment or retaliation they have experienced for fear that they may get in trouble themselves. For example, an employee who has violated theFaculty/Staff and Student Relationships Policy, and is then assaulted in the course of that relationship might hesitate to report the incident to Otis College officials.
Otis College may, at its discretion, offer employee Complainants amnesty from such policy violations (typically more minor policy violations) related to the incident. Amnesty may also be granted to Respondents and witnesses on a case-by-case basis.