Your time at Tulane can be the most exciting, productive time in your life. You’re not just taking courses. You’re discovering your own identity, defining who you want to be, and establishing your independence as an adult.

One allegation of disciplinary misconduct can undo all of that, though, and unfortunately, these kinds of allegations are more common than you might think.

If you’ve been accused of disciplinary misconduct, it’s important you contact LLF National Law Firm as soon as possible. It doesn’t matter if you’re entirely innocent. That won’t protect you from an investigation and hearing, and it may not protect you from sanctions. It doesn’t matter if you make some kind of mistake. You deserve a vigorous defense and, if it comes to it, a fair sanction. LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team is always on your side and ready to fight hard to defend your rights.

What can we do to help you? Find out by calling 888-535-3686, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.

Standards of Conduct at Tulane University

“Disciplinary misconduct” refers to non-academic misconduct, general campus behavior that violates school policy. You can find a complete list of the rules and regulations in Tulane’s Code of Student Conduct. As a general rule, you want to avoid violating any offense listed in this Code. Some violations are definitely more serious than others, though.

  • Physical Violence: Causing bodily injury to another person is strictly prohibited at Tulane, just as it is anywhere else. Note, however, that Tulane’s policy doesn’t use the word “violence” but rather “harm.” That’s a much broader term that doesn’t necessarily apply just to physical harm. The Code also notes that causing a “reasonable apprehension” of harm is also an offense. In simple terms, threatening violence is as serious as committing violence.
  • Weapons Possession: The possession of firearms on campus remains a complicated issue in Louisiana. However, Tulane makes clear that your “use, possession or storage” of a weapon must pose no hazard to the general campus community.
  • Hazing: This offense includes any initiation activity that endangers students’ physical, psychological, or emotional well-being. Note that initiates cannot “consent” to such activities. Even if no one complains, you can still face charges.
  • Sexual Misconduct: Tulane maintains a zero-tolerance policy against sexual misconduct in accordance with federal Title IX laws. “Sexual misconduct” includes everything from stalking to sexual assault.
  • Drug Use and Possession: The Code outlaws drug use, possession, manufacture, and distribution. Note, too, that you can be charged for possession of “drug paraphernalia.”

Generally speaking, Tulane doesn’t prescribe specific sanctions for specific offenses. Any time you’re charged with violating the Code of Conduct, you could potentially face any penalty from a simple warning to outright expulsion from the university. However, it’s worth noting that colleges and universities have become far more draconian in assigning punishments over the last several years. Even minor offenses sometimes garner severe sanctions.

Furthermore, any sanction, even a warning, can interfere with your academic career and even cause you trouble after graduation. If an offense winds up on your transcript, it can affect scholarships, internships, graduate school applications, and job interviews. No matter what charges you’re facing or what penalty the university is threatening, you must defend yourself. LLF National Law Firm is committed to helping you do that.

Mounting A Defense to Misconduct Accusations

An allegation of misconduct is a serious matter, but an allegation is still only an allegation. The university cannot punish you just because someone lodges a complaint against you, no matter how serious that complaint might be. You always have the right to due process, including an investigation and a hearing. You’ll find your several rights outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Here’s a rough overview.

  • Cases begin with complaints. Anyone may make a complaint against you to the Director of Student Conduct. The Director must believe complaints are credible, though, before issuing a formal charge.
  • You are entitled to official notification of any charges against you. Notification should fully explain the allegations and provide a complete list of your due process rights.
  • The Director then initiates an investigation. You are “innocent until proven guilty” and the university must have some concrete evidence in order to proceed with its case.
  • You have the right to review all evidence uncovered in the case. You further have the right to give your side of the story to investigators, to submit evidence, and to suggest witnesses.
  • Once investigators have completed their work, they submit their findings back to the Director of Student Conduct. The university then schedules a time and date for a hearing.
  • The hearing is your chance to challenge any evidence being used against you and to offer any evidence you may have demonstrating your innocence. As part of the process, you can call witnesses to testify and you can raise questions for any witness testifying against you.
  • Cases are heard by a single administrative officer. This officer is tasked with employing the “preponderance of the evidence” standard to decide whether or not you are responsible for (guilty of) an offense. Simply put, you are guilty if it seems “more likely than not” that you violated university policy.
  • If you are found not responsible, the case is over. If you are found responsible, you can appeal that finding. However, you must have sufficient grounds to do so, such as a procedural error, new evidence, or a disproportionate sanction.

Unfortunately, you do not have the right to bring an attorney with you to investigative meetings and hearings at Tulane. Don’t let that dissuade you from contacting LLF National Law Firm. No one can prevent you from seeking legal advice.

In fact, the LLF National Law Firm attorney can play a crucial role in your defense, even if they aren’t allowed to accompany you to proceedings. They can coach you, for instance, on how to talk with investigators. They can uncover evidence and outline your strongest arguments. They can draft documents on your behalf and suggest questions for witnesses. They can work with you to develop your hearing presentation and give you practice in making your arguments.

Any time a school tries to limit your due process rights, it’s always important you have the LLF National Law Firm attorney in your corner, making sure you’re treated fairly.

Fighting for Your Future

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. 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 to 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 LLF National Law Firm today at 888-535-3686. Or, fill out our online questionnaire.

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