On Friday, December 16th, 2022, the Ashesi Judicial Committee (AJC) heard and deliberated on an accusation of sexual misconduct case that occurred during Semester 1 (September – December) 2022. After carefully reviewing all the facts of the case, the AJC concluded that there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the complaint. Based on this, the Committee could not determine that university policy on sexual misconduct had been violated.
However, the AJC found that two of the students involved had lied and made several misrepresentations to the Committee and the Dean of Student and Community Affairs. In summary:
- One student made statements to several others about the incident, which they admitted were untrue. This student was the only witness able to narrate what had occurred, as the alleged perpetrator and victim could not recollect the incidents under question. The student admitted to the AJC that they did not actually witness any wilful misconduct, despite saying contrary to other students, the alleged perpetrator, and the alleged victim. Based on the seriousness of the issue under deliberation, the Committee considered this egregious.
- The second student, who was intoxicated and had no recollection of the incident admitted to working with a third-party immaterial to the incident to fabricate parts of their statement to mislead the Dean of Student and Community Affairs and the AJC.
As stated in Ashesi's Student Handbook:"Ashesi University, its students, and its professional associations will not in any way condone cheating, lying, or any other misrepresentations. Moreover, anyone who willingly conceals these activities will be considered accomplices and equally culpable.” (Section 7.5) [...] A student should not knowingly provide false information or make misrepresentations to any University office... Students who are found to have provided false information may be subject to dismissal.” (Section 9.2)
After deliberating, the AJC concluded that both students would receive a suspension of four (4) regular academic semesters (January 2023 - December 2024). The Committee would like to advise:
- Ashesi is committed to building a community of trust and considers lying and falsehoods damaging to this goal. As an Ashesi student, you are expected to always speak and uphold the truth. Where mistakes are made, students are expected to take responsibility for their actions.
- Under no circumstance should you lie and misrepresent events in statements to any other students, university official or office, or the AJC. Your statements in any situation should be the truth, as you know it.
- Consenting and asking for consent are all about setting your personal boundaries and respecting those of the other party. This should always be clarified before engaging in any sexual activity. Without consent, whether in a drunken state or not, any sexual activity becomes sexual assault or rape.
- Alcohol abuse can severely impact a student's good judgement and awareness of themselves. The University's alcohol policy was put in place with this in mind and seeks to support student well-being and effective learning.
We trust that this case will serve as a learning experience for our community. Our code of ethics is central to our mission: to train a new generation of ethical and entrepreneurial leaders in Africa; to cultivate within our students the critical thinking skills, concern for others, and the courage it will take to transform a continent. Remember, this code applies to all, no matter the circumstance.