CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.—University of Virginia (U. Va) officials plan to speak with Gov. Bob McDonnell about passing a law requiring police departments to notify universities when a student is arrested. As a courtesy, some departments already inform universities when a student is arrested; however, it is not mandatory.
The decision came after officials learned that U. Va. student George Huguely, a lacrosse player who has been charged with first-degree murder of his ex-girlfriend, Yeardley Love, who was a member of U. Va’s women’s lacrosse team, had issues with law enforcement prior to this incident. Huguely had been arrested in 2008 for being drunk in public, when he threatened the life of a police patrolwoman, reports TimesDispatch.com.
During that 2008 arrest, Huguely pleaded guilty to being drunk in public and resisting arrest. He received a suspended 60-day sentence, was fined $100 and had to perform community service and attend a substance-abuse program. U.Va. authorities said had the arrest been reported to the school, Huguely might have faced mandatory substance-abuse counseling or a referral to a U.Va. judiciary committee.
Additionally, officials noted that Huguely was never reported to have any disciplinary problems nor did Love ever report any physical abuse or concerns about the suspect to the university. However, there is a concern of violence against women on the campus, according to university officials.
As many as eight of the 41 players on the U. Va. lacrosse team, including Huguely, have been charged with alcohol-related offenses during their careers at the school, reported the Washington Post. Two students were found not guilty; six of those students were convicted or pleaded guilty; one served two days in jail.
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