The offenses cited by the Ad Board were lyingto an officer of the University and damage toproperty, both listed as offenses leading toprobation in the Ad Board's "User's Guide forStudents," which is distributed to allundergraduates. Because they had committed bothcrimes, their senior tutors told the students toexpect either probation or a request to withdraw.
Spreng, however, said the decision came as acomplete surprise.
"It's a shame they make us do harm again bydeserting the people we've been working with forfour years," Spreng said. "I accept responsibilityfor the stupidity. I do not accept responsibilityfor doing this to the people I respect the most."
The User's Guide says that "restrictions(sometimes called "adding teeth" toprobation)...might forbid a student to participatein an extracurricular activity that was thecontext of the misconduct."
The police report says "all three suspects wereintoxicated and consumed alcoholic beverages whileat the AD Club."
But according to Brooks, the three were neverasked at their hearings whether the incident wasrelated to a party.
The police report presents at least oneinaccuracy.
It says that the rocks caused damages in the"thousands of dollars" to a brand new Chevyblazer. But when tabulated, the actual damages,which the three students have already paid,amounted to $301.90.
"I am worried that some of the tutors saw [thepolice report] and made up their minds," Brookssaid.
Cold Reception
While they decry the sanction the students alsocomplain the disciplinary procedure was forebodingand intimidating.
"It's hidden away. Even the room itself iscold," Spreng said of his Ad Board hearing on thetop floor of Hilles library. "It's a pity that agroup with such an aura about it makes decisionsagainst the students and the University."
Entering the room, students sit at a squaretable along with the 30 to 40 tutors, includingtheir own Allston Burr Senior Tutor andadministrators who evaluate their case.
"The second I walked into the room I realizedthat who I was was not really an issue," Sprengsaid. "I can see their concern is protecting theHarvard name and institution. There is no Harvardif not for the students and it seems that in theprocess this is not accounted for."
All three must vacate campus by May 23, one daybefore the regular undergraduate move-out date.Spreng and Banerjee, both seniors, will not beallowed at Commencement. In addition, all threemust reapply to the Ad Board for readmission aftertheir year's suspension is served.
"It puts a bitter taste in my mouth," Sprengsaid. "We can't walk. We can't even watch ourfriends graduate.