The Honor Code: Lying, Cheating, Stealing... and Reporting

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Washington and Lee Example Explored
By Carly Greenburg '01 and Emily Kaplan '01
Washington and Lee University has been recognized for having one of the strictest and most successful honor codes in the United States. Ms Honeycutt, who was a graduate of Washington and Leigh in the class of 1996 and presently works at Germantown Academy's day care program, was a firm supporter of the honor code. She believed the pledge provided a safe and comfortable living and working atmosphere for all of the students and faculty. No extra safety precautions were necessary, and trust was a mutual feeling among everyone. This honor code is based on the idea that every violation is equal to the next. For example, a student who picks up a lost quarter is just as guilty as a student who cheats on a test. A student accused of violating the honor code is entitled to a trial with a student jury, and is immediately expelled if condemned

At Washington and Lee, the honor code is operated by the Executive Council, which consists of four seniors whose responsibility it is to enforce the honor code upon the student body. As a result of this strict enforcement of the code, students can leave their valuables unattended without fear that they will be taken, leave their dorms unlocked, and take unproctored tests. Ms. Honeycutt stressed the fact that the point of the honor code is not to turn in friends, but to create a safe and worry-free school environment. After the many incidents of theft that occurred in the 1996-1997 school year, a new honor code could eliminate the fear and the reality of valuables being stolen. With everyone's help and cooperation, we too can follow Washington and Lee's tradition of a strong and effective honor code, resulting in a better school community.