On Tuesday, Feb. 11, DU’s Undergraduate Student Government (USG) unanimously passed Resolution 30, seeking to open up discussion with the Department of Campus Safety (DCS) and school administration over concerns regarding the nature of the university’s Good Samaritan policy and alcohol-related emergencies.
The resolution, authored by Sophomore Senator Jess Davidson, will also “divest appropriate time in investigating allegations that this policy is not being strictly enforced.”
The policy, as written in the DU Honor Code, is designed for students to assist in accounting for the well-being of their peers in the event of health or safety concerns.
“I have spoken with some individuals who repeated a sentiment that I’ve heard multiple times on this campus,” said Davidson. “That is, they did not feel comfortable contacting Campus Safety in the event of a life threatening emergency for fear that they [who made the call] would be reprimanded for it.”
DCS said they had no comment on the Good Samaritan policy.
Davidson believes the language of the policy is vague, as it states, “When the assistance of a University Official or emergency services is sought for oneself or others in an emergency, a Student Conduct Record may not be created for those involved in the incident.”
She said there is a discrepancy between what “may” in the policy could mean, and having discussions with DCS and administration is essential to helping students have faith in DCS itself.
“We have had alcohol-related deaths of undergraduate students on this campus,” said Davidson. “I think if students can feel that they can trust in their Campus Safety, we may be able to prevent another alcohol-related injury or death, but because of the lack of trust between students and Campus Safety there’s a lack of safety.”
Some students said contacting DCS for an alcohol-related incident would not be their first thought for handling such situations.
“Honestly, calling [Campus Safety] wouldn’t be the first thing to cross my mind,” said first-year student Keegan Bockhorst. “It would have to be after deliberation with other people, but it wouldn’t be one of the first things I think of if I see one of my friends drunk. I’d probably just help them go to bed.”
Other students echoed the concerns of Resolution 30.
“I think calling campus police would be a last resort for me,” said first-year student Olivia Bolt. “I have personally seen on countless occasions where someone tries to help someone out and they get pulled under for it, like getting sent to detox when they’re just trying to help.”
In contrast to these concerns, some students felt that contacting DCS would be the best option to help students in dire need of attention.
“I feel like I wouldn’t be afraid,” said first-year student Ashley Campbell. “I would just try to do the best I could on my own to not bother my friend. I don’t think I would ever feel scared of Campus Safety and me getting in trouble. I think they are very good about their policy.”
