The ugly internal machinations of a university system only pretends to protect the accused — let alone the not-guilty and innocent — and these policies policing behavior usually end up fettering away the accused so as not to do further damage to the university.

The problem with internal policing of behavior — and even criminality — is that a university is not a police department and it is not a system of justice. While, on the surface, that might be an appealing state of being for the accused and an accuser it is actually quite dangerous and detrimental to everyone involved.

We urge anyone accused of a crime in the university frame to immediately call the local police. By invoking a call to the police, and not a university wonk, you are protecting your rights in a formal and civilized process that predictably and necessarily leads from one point to another.

When you allow a university to set an investigative mandate — and to police its own to punish the few — you are not guaranteed any civil rights, or access to representation, or even the opportunity to defend yourself and face your accuser.

At first light, it may seem daunting to call in a formal outside investigation — but in the long run, you will always do better because your punishment or absolution will be in the public square and on the public record and no one can then accuse you of a cover up or of hiding or of being punished for a crime or an offense you did not commit.