Go back and watch a movie like Animal House or Revenge of the Nerds, and it certainly looks like college students used to be able to get away with virtually anything. Not anymore. Colleges and universities take misconduct extremely seriously. There are endless lists of rules, sanctions can be severe, and trying to defend yourself involves navigating a nightmare of bureaucracy.
You should never go into an investigation or a hearing alone. There’s too much at stake, and it’s just too difficult trying to take on a university. Luckily, you don’t have to. The LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights. We understand what you’re up against, and we have the background and experience to help you get through it all. We’ve helped hundreds of students just like you get the justice they deserve.
Before we can help you, though, you have to contact us. Call 888-535-3686 today, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Rules and Regulations
Like most colleges and universities, Kean University maintains a Code of Conduct, which includes a complete list of the school’s rules and regulations. It’s a long list—sixty-six separate offenses, including “failure to clean up sidewalk chalk” after an event and “knowingly presenting a worthless check.” Obviously, we don’t have time or space to go over all of these offenses. We do want to draw your attention, though, to some of the most serious violations included in the Code, the ones that come with the most serious punishments.
- Physical Assault: To some extent, all the most serious offenses in the Code have to do with the harm you could potentially cause others. All communities have an obligation to protect their members. That starts with prohibitions against physical violence.
- Weapons Possession: Weapons have the potential to exacerbate acts of violence. It’s no surprise, then, that KU also bars all weapons use and possession. This applies to firearms, including BB guns and even “replica” guns, explosives, “sharped edged instruments, and dangerous chemicals.
- Sexual Misconduct: Federal law requires schools respond to all credible complaints of sexual misconduct. In addition, Title IX encourages schools to impose harsh penalties on anyone found responsible for (guilty of) such an offense.
- Hazing: Organizational initiation is not an excuse for doing harm to others. Even if you’ve convinced pledges to sign a waiver, you can be charged for endangering anyone’s physical, psychological, or emotional well-being.
- Drug Use and Possession: KU also bars the use and possession of all illegal drugs. Keep in mind that while cannabis use is legal in New Jersey, it remains illegal under federal law. Note, too, that KU’s anti-drug policy is so strict that you can be charged for just possessing drug-related paraphernalia.
The minimum sanction for these offenses is usually suspension. You can be suspended or dismissed for any offense, though, depending on the nature of the incident. In addition, any sanction, even a warning, can have long-term consequences for your future if it shows up on your transcript.
Don’t risk it. The moment you’re charged—the moment you think you might be charged—contact the LLF National Law Firm. We can begin building your defense as soon as you call, and we’ll make sure KU respects your rights every step of the way.
Navigating Disciplinary Procedures
We’ve mentioned “rights” a couple of times now. What are we talking about exactly? Just as in the criminal justice system, you are entitled to “due process” any time KU charges you with a misconduct offense. That means the university must follow very specific rules about how it treats you. For instance, officials must treat you as “not responsible” (innocent), until you’re proven “responsible” (guilty).
Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect.
- Anyone at KU can accuse you of committing an offense. An accusation is only an accusation, though. Before charging you with an offense, the Vice President for Student Affairs must decide that the accusations against you are both credible and actionable.
- The Vice President for Student Affairs must apprise you of any charges you’re facing. Notice of the charges should include an explanation of the allegations and a list of all your due process rights.
- Because you are innocent until proven guilty, the university must conduct an investigation. It cannot proceed without concrete evidence suggesting your guilt. As part of any investigation, you have the right to tell your side of the story. In addition, you are entitled to review any evidence investigators uncover.
- You also have the right to defend yourself at a Student Conduct Hearing. This gives you the opportunity to present evidence in defense of your innocence, including witness testimony. You are also allowed to raise questions about any evidence being used against you.
- Decision-makers in your case must employ the “preponderance of the evidence” legal standard in determining your responsibility. Basically, this means that you are responsible if they are more than fifty percent convinced by the evidence against you.
- A “not responsible” outcome means the end of your case. You have the right to appeal a “responsible” outcome if you can demonstrate that you were in some way denied your due process rights.
You take it for granted that KU is always on your side. In many ways, the university is your home—it’s not just where you take classes; it’s where you eat and where you sleep. And the university’s own policies are supposed to ensure officials take an objective look at your case. You cannot count on any of these securities, though, when you’ve been accused of an offense. University faculty and administrators are notorious for letting their biases influence their decisions.
Make sure you have someone on your side who unquestionably has your best interests in mind. Whatever the charges, whatever your situation, the LLF National Law Firm is in your corner and committed to getting you the best possible resolution to your case.
How Can the LLF National Law Firm Help You?
Handling your own disciplinary misconduct case puts your entire future at risk. Make sure you have a professional on your side, someone who not only knows how to construct a strong defense but who has experience helping student clients defend themselves from university charges. The LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team will make sure you’re fully prepared to defend yourself. They’ll protect your rights. They’ll help you get the very best possible resolution to your case.
Sometimes, you have to fight for your educational future. We can help. To find out more, contact the LLF National Law Firm today at 888-535-3686. Or, fill out our online questionnaire.