Arizona Rep. Jay Lawrence is proposing a bill to make it harder for college students to be removed from school based on allegations involving any crime.
His reasoning for why the bill is needed is rooted in his belief that university students are too often denied due process and because a constituent asked him to take up the measure.
If, for example, a student is facing allegations of rape, Lawrence said he or she should be allowed to have an attorney face his or her accuser.
“My first thought is rape, where the student accused of the rape says, 'I had permission to have this sexual relationship with the young lady.'”
Lawrence also said if a student can’t afford an attorney, the bill stipulates the university should appoint one.
