JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY -- University leaders changed a three strikes policy regarding alcohol and drug violations. The new change will allow students to call for medical attention and not receive a penalty.

It is called the Enlightened Citizen Amnesty policy.

If a student is in need of medical attention and they are in violation of the drug and alcohol policy, they can receive a pardon.

Josh Bacon, the director of JMU Judicial Affairs said that most students are already calling for medical help if needed.

This amendment will make other students, who are hesitant to call emergency response teams, much more likely to seek medical help if they need it.

Students around the JMU campus are largely in favor of this change.

“I think it'll be a beneficial thing for students not to feel like they're going to get in trouble for trying to reach out for help,” said Sina Kipry, a JMU student. “It could go the other extreme, but I think its a step in the right direction to be positive and say, 'Just ask for help. We're not going to penalize you for being responsible about recognizing that you need help,'”

Bacon said that although students may be pardoned from a strike, the student's parents will still be contacted.

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