PRINCETON, N.J.--The Princeton University faculty committee this week approved a "right to silence" resolution allowing a student in some circumstances to refuse to talk to the committee on discipline without prejudicing his case.

Keeping Quiet

The new policy allows students to remain silent when "legal proceedings have been instituted or are anticipated against a student," and his "alleged misconduct is more serious than a disorderly person offense."

Previously, a student's refusal to testify could prejudice his case. However, if he testified before the committee on discipline, his testimony later could used against him in a court of law.