Over the last decade or so, institutions of higher education have become increasingly aggressive in monitoring and reporting violations of school policy by student organizations such as fraternities and sororities, and club sports teams. While transparency is generally a good thing, a student affiliated with an organization with negative reports may find themselves judged and treated more harshly by school authorities simply because of that affiliation.

An Increasing Call For and Commitment to Reporting on Student Organization Misconduct

An article from The Chronicle of Higher Education explored recent developments in oversight of student organizations and the reasoning behind them. Several states, including Texas and Washington, have enacted laws requiring schools to report hazing and other misconduct by student organizations. And more and more, many institutions in states without legal requirements to report on misconduct do so voluntarily. Indiana State University, for example, maintains a conduct scorecard on fraternities and sororities that it posts on Greek-life websites. There is also a general belief that transparency about infractions will both help reduce them and increase trust in the entities that oversee the student organizations.

The Downside: When Your Own Reputation Is Tarnished

While efforts to protect students are to be applauded, the negative label attached to a student organization sanctioned for misconduct can extend to individual members, regardless of whether they participated in the misconduct or not. Any student facing an academic or disciplinary issue deserves to be treated fairly, with their case considered on the facts. However, school authorities may jump to conclusions about a student who happens to be affiliated with a sanctioned organization, assuming the worst, treating them harshly, or even denying them due process.

When You Are Charged With Misconduct

Conduct codes of a college or university often describe acceptable behaviors and practices, and they define code violations in areas such as academic dishonesty, alcohol and drug abuse, and sexual assault. Being charged with a conduct code violation is a serious matter and is even more grave if authorities view the student negatively because of their affiliation with an organization that has its own misconduct charges.

And the consequences of an accusation of misconduct can be devastating. In addition to the financial and emotional stress such accusations entail, there is also the potential loss of financial aid, internships, and career opportunities. It is essential to seek an attorney-advisor experienced in such cases to ensure your best chance of a positive outcome.

An Experienced Education Attorney-Advisor Can Help You

Joseph D. Lento is an education attorney-advisor with experience representing hundreds of students successfully across the country. The Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm is ready to defend you against misconduct charges, or against any charges related to your school attendance. The Lento Law Firm has the refined, cooperative approach you need when taking on the school bureaucracy. Call 888.535.3686 or contact us online now.