Amnesty Policy
At Loyola, the safety and well-being of our community come first. This amnesty policy is designed to reduce the fear of disciplinary consequences, so that concerns about alcohol or drug use do not prevent someone from reporting or seeking support after an incident of sexual or gender-based misconduct.
- Students who report Sexual and Gender-based Misconduct, or participate in an investigation as a witness, will not be subject to disciplinary action for their own personal involvement with alcohol and/or other drugs at or near the time of the incident.
- Exception: If the alcohol or drug involvement was reasonably likely to place the health or safety of another individual at risk, disciplinary action or educational remedies may apply.
- The University may initiate an educational discussion or pursue other educational remedies regarding alcohol and/or drug use as a supportive measure.
Does this mean I won't get in trouble for drinking or using drugs at or near the time I experienced sexual or gender-based harm?
Yes — as long as your alcohol or drug use did not put someone else’s health or safety at risk, you will not face disciplinary action.
Why does Loyola have this policy?
We want students to feel safe coming forward. No one should be discouraged from reporting sexual or gender-based misconduct because they are worried about getting in trouble for alcohol or drug use.
What are “educational remedies”?
Instead of disciplinary action, the University may provide restorative resources such as conversations with an Office of Title IX and Bias Compliance team member, referrals to wellness programs (e.g. Office of Student Support and Wellness Promotion), or other supportive measures.