Are College Campuses Full of Snitches?
A recent article highlighted the story of the University of Michigan’s president, Mark Schlissel, who was terminated after an anonymous person reported his affair with a subordinate staff member. The article went on to theorize that college campuses are full of snitches. These individuals, whether they be students, faculty, or staff, purport to act as whistleblowers, but in reality are merely jealous or spiteful people who want to bring others down.
Regardless of their motivation, it is undoubtedly true that there are numerous cases of one person bringing to light the purported bad behavior or conduct violations of faculty or students. The LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team can help students who have been accused of code of conduct violations or other misconduct on campus. Our team has experience nationwide. To find out how the LLF National Law Firm can help you, call 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential, online contact form today.
Are Campuses Actually Full of Snitches?
The article makes the point that, due to the ease of filing a complaint and the anonymity afforded to those who do, complaining about another faculty member, student, or student teacher, or someone you don’t care for, has become a means to punish or exact revenge. The author shares her own experience of having a Title IX complaint filed against her as a result of an article that she wrote in an academic publication. While she was ultimately cleared, there are countless stories of faculty and students being punished for an opinion that another found objectionable.
While filing complaints due to differences of opinion is not the intended purpose of Title IX, unfortunately, situations do arise where accusations are made that are completely unfounded and motivated by animus against the accused. In those instances, it is important to have the LLF National Law Firm by your side.
Why You Should Hire the LLF National Law Firm
Although you have the right to defend yourself in any hearing before a disciplinary body at your college, you do so at your own risk. Some colleges are authorized to impose temporary discipline against you without notice. Due to the high stakes involved, including suspension or expulsion, every complaint should be taken seriously. Even if you believe that the complaint against you is frivolous or unsubstantiated, the risks are too great to defend yourself without a qualified attorney by your side.
Unlike criminal matters, you are not innocent until proven guilty in any disciplinary proceeding. Although the university has the burden of proof, a “preponderance of the evidence” standard is used. That means that if it is found that it is more likely than not that you committed an infraction, they will find you guilty. This standard is especially crucial in these types of proceedings, where the finding of guilt or innocence is often determined based on the word of one person against another person. This can often lead to unjust outcomes and erroneous findings. Engaging an experienced attorney to stand by your side will enhance your chances of avoiding discipline.
Contact the LLF National Law Firm For Your Education Law Issues
The LLF National Law Firm has successfully represented students accused of a wide variety of infractions. If you suspect that your rights have been violated, call us today. The LLF National Law Firm has the experience you need. Call 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential online form.