The Citadel's Honor Code - A Cadet does not Lie, Cheat or Steal, nor Tolerate those who do - is a point of pride for all who have attended The Citadel. It is a tough code, but one we all value.
If a cadet is accused of violating the Honor Code, there is a cadet-led process that investigates to see if it warrants a presentation of the facts before an Honor Board - 10 cadets who are members of the Honor Committee. After hearing the evidence, the Board will deliberate and come up with recommendations that will be brought to the President for his decision. Those recommendations include:
1) Found not in violation of the Honor Code
2) Found in violation of the Honor Code
3) Found in violation with a recommendation of leniency.
After reviewing the facts, the President will make a decision. If the facts show that the cadet was in violation of the Honor Code, and there is no recommendation for leniency, then the cadet will be expelled. The cadet does have a right to appeal the President's decision on the grounds of:
1) New evidence, available since the Honor Court trial, which would indicate the findings of the court are in error
2) Evidence that a cadet’s rights were not protected, jeopardizing that cadet’s right to a fair and impartial trial
3) An error in the trial proceedings of such magnitude as to jeopardize the fairness of the trial
Keep in mind, if expelled, there is no option for a cadet to return to The Citadel. Yes, this is a pretty harsh punishment, but it's one that reflects how serious we are about the system. Although your cadet will receive training on the system when they arrive, we hope you will have a conversation with them and discuss the importance of being someone with integrity and honor. To help with that conversation you can access this year's Honor Manual here. (Links to an external site.)
Conflicting Values - The Ethical Dilemma
One other area that can confuse cadets is the value of loyalty. When the cadets arrive they learn what our Core Values are - Honor, Duty, Respect - as well as Honor Code - they do not lie, cheat, steal not tolerate those who do. The also learn about loyalty in their day-to-day interactions within the barracks - the importance of loyalty to their company and to their classmates. It can be confusing for them if their roommate asks them to do something that requires them to act in a manner that does live up to the Core Values or the Honor Code. For example, if their roommate is not back in the barracks for the "All-In" report and asks your cadet to make the report that they are there. This can be a real dilemma for your cadet driven by their desire to be loyal to their friends. We hope you will take time to have a conversation about these types of dilemmas and help them understand that although the value of loyalty is admirable, it is not a Core Value or part of the Honor Code. It is good to be a loyal friend who can be relied upon for support, but not OK to lie, cheat or steal for them.
Editor's note: This is an issue you will want to have conversation with your cadet. I have seen plenty of examples of cadets who thought they could push the limit of the Code and ended up having to leave. The other is academic work. Some find themselves in a crunch for time to get an assignment in and end up using someone else's work. You can always make up a failing grade. . .as long as you can attend The Citadel. Taking a "F" or a set of pushups is better than expulsion.
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