KU student panel rejects proposed policy change

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LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) -- A panel of University of Kansas students has rejected a proposal to allow housing staff to enter students' rooms unannounced if they suspect a housing violation.

The policy change proposal was a response to two student deaths last semester that were blamed on drinking.

Under the proposal, housing supervisors could enter a student's room if they had probable cause to believe the occupants were violating housing policy. Currently, housing staff must get a search warrant to enter a room if the occupants refuse.

Members of Student Senate's Student Rights Committee voted unanimously Thursday against the proposal.

Committee chairman Tom Cox says students are concerned that the policy wouldn't curb drinking. And he says the school's code of conduct gives students the right to privacy.

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Information from: Lawrence Journal-World, http://www.ljworld.com