"... conduct that damages the dignity of the Senate, ..."

Meredith's conduct could not have damaged the dignity of the Senate. Because the Senate has no dignity left to damage. Case closed.
   Furthermore, it's clear from the contempt every establishment organization has for the unwashed public, none, not even the Girl Guides, ever has the integrity to "police their own". The higher the institution the more arrogance and the less moral courage it displays towards its accusers.