On Thursday, June 6^th, 2024, the Ashesi Judicial Committee (AJC) heard and deliberated on an allegation of sexual misconduct which occurred in a dorm room off-campus in the 2023/24 Spring Semester. The accused is part of the Class of 2024.

 

Background

On Wednesday, 3^rd April, the accused followed the complainant to his/her room off-campus. While in the room, the accused made advances and bit the neck of the complainant as an act of intimacy, leaving a bruise. The accused did not seek consent, nor was it given. The complainant subsequently filed a report with the Office of Diversity and International Programmes, which oversees Appropriate Sexual Behaviour conversations on campus. The incident was subsequently reported to the Dean earlier this semester, and the case was brought to the AJC.

 

Hearing

During the hearing, the accused confirmed the complainant’s recount of the events on the day in question, expressing that there was no ill intent. The Committee also learned that the accused had engaged in a second act of sexual misconduct on the day in question, again engaging in an act of intimacy without seeking consent.

 

The AJC deliberated on the following infractions of policies and sanctioning guidelines in the Student Handbook:

• “Sexual misconduct represents a continuum of behaviours ranging from physical sexual assault and abuse to sexual harassment and intimidation and is a serious violation of the University’s code of conduct.” (Section 10.16)
• “Students have the responsibility to ensure that any sexual interaction occurs only with mutual consent… Ashesi University strongly encourages its students to communicate – openly, honestly, and clearly –about their actions, wishes, and intentions when it comes to sexual behaviour, and to do so before engaging in intimate conduct.” (Section 10.13)
• c. “Sanctions are cumulative, increasing in severity for repeat offenders.” (Section 12.11).

 

Verdict & Recommendation(s)

After carefully reviewing all the facts of the case, the AJC concluded that the student is guilty of sexual misconduct, and having a prior record of a code of conduct violation, will be suspended for four semesters (May 2024 – December 2025).

 

Advice to the Ashesi Community:

• Ashesi has zero tolerance for any form of sexual misconduct, on- or off-campus. Students must prioritise consent in sexual interactions and help ensure that all members of our community feel safe at Ashesi.
• We encourage you to make responsible choices and take advantage of the resources available to support your journey.
• Students must learn from past infractions adjudicated by the AJC to better understand the expectations of all members of our community.

 

This case provides a lot of learning for the entire community, and the hope is that it is reflected on as such. 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. This code applies to all, no matter the circumstance.