The Notre Dame University Student Senate passed a resolution last week proposing that the University exempt students from disciplinary action if they seek medical attention for another student while breaking a University policy. The rule would most commonly apply to scenarios of underage drinking.

The proposal to give rule-breaking students amnesty while assisting others in need has long been debated by students and administrations around the country.

At Notre Dame, Student Body President Grant Schmidt told student newspaper The Observer that the current policy has deterred students from seeking aid for fear of repercussions.

“The reality of the situation is that there are people out there who have disciplinary records because they have made the choice to help people,” he said to The Observer.

Student Body Vice President Cynthia Weber recounted a survey of the student body on the issue. Over 85 percent of students said that they always or sometimes consider disciplinary consequences they might incur from calling for help to treat a sick friend.

If the University adopts the policy, Residence Life and Housing will no longer pursue disciplinary actions against rule-breaking students assisting others who need medical attention.

The students receiving medical attention would not be covered under the amnesty policy. While student senators debated offering full medical amnesty to all students, they decided that doing so could lead to student abuse of the new policy.

The Student Senate bill does not include an educational requirement for the assisting student, though Residence Life and Housing may still opt to mandate alcohol abuse classes.

President Schmidt said he hoped that the policy would be implemented in the 2010-2011 school year.

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