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ACLU gives sound Code advice

TO THE DAILY:

The Daily correctly compliments the American Civil Liberties Union for offering to review charges against students brought under the Code of Student Conduct ("Watch your back: ACLU can protect students from new Code," 2/6/96). The Daily quotes the ACLU as advising students to: "Speak with an attorney before saying anything to Code officials." This is sound advice, but too limited.

If you are charged under the Code, do not speak with anyone about the circumstances relating to the charged offense until you have retained an attorney (and then afterwards only upon the advice of an attorney). Do not speak to your residence adviser, trusted friend, favorite professor, roommate or a Daily reporter. Anything you say may at a later time lead to evidence the University (or a law enforcement agency) may try to use against you.

Further, if you are charged under the Code, you should not necessarily seek public vindication. It may be in your interest to minimize any public discussion of the charge or the charged offense. In short, consistent with the ACLU's advice, retain an attorney if you are charged under the Code.

ERIC SCHNAUFER