Arizona State University is a public research university established in 1885 in Tempe, Arizona. ASU is one of the largest universities by enrollment in the United States, with over 140,000 students enrolled in its multiple campuses in Arizona. It offers over 350 majors and has 100 graduate programs, making it essential to maintain its reputation and standing. Violating its code of conduct comes with heavy penalties, including suspension, expulsion, and transcript notation. Hazing is mentioned in the code of conduct as a serious violation, making an accusation of participating in this action a serious offense with equally severe penalties. When you face such accusations, you risk reputation damage, alienation from your peers, and professional issues after graduation – if you can graduate at all with this charge.
Hazing is not new to campuses around the country. However, with the recent spike in fatal and life-altering consequences that sometimes come with its many forms of initiation rituals, everyone participating in hazing is at risk. Many students do not realize the gravity of this offense on a university and state level, often giving in to peer pressure or acting in ways unlike them to stay part of a group. When hazing accusations threaten your present and future, it's time to take action before it's too late. Call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or send the team a message through the online form to learn more about what comes next.
Understanding Hazing
Hazing is any action a group imposes on a new member that allows them to be part of a group. Although hazing, in theory, should not lead to death or life-altering consequences, many incidents of hazing have led to tragic consequences. These incidents have led to university, sports, and state bans on hazing, making it a punishable offense. If you are accused of hazing, you may be asked to leave campus premises immediately, pending an investigation. Even if you did not commit the violation, you may face issues affecting your attendance, grades, and social standing with your peers. That is why having the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team by your side during the adjudication process is essential to decreasing the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome.
Adjudicating Hazing and Appeals at ASU
According to the ASU Code of Conduct, hazing is prohibited and can lead to severe penalties for the accused. The ASU Greek Life Guidebook defines hazing as any deliberate or reckless act committed by a student, alone or as part of a group, to initiate or affiliate with another student that contributes to a substantial risk of potential physical or psychological injury or harm. The policy explicitly prohibits solicitation to engage in hazing and mentions that the student's consent to being hazed is not a defense to committing the violation. Adjudication for hazing accusations falls under the processes outlined in the Disciplinary Procedures segment of the Student Handbook.
Anyone can make a hazing complaint by sending a report to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Since this report may lead to a disciplinary proceeding, accused students have the right to:
- Receive a notification about the alleged incident
- Know the source of the allegations
- Know the specified allegation against them
- Know what the sanctions and restrictions are that may be imposed on them
- Have an advisor or attorney attend a disciplinary meeting
- Refrain from making a statement about the allegations
- Know that their statements can be used during the proceedings
Accused students receive an electronic notification letter that informs them of the nature of the allegation against them and that they must attend a mandatory meeting with a Students Rights & Responsibilities (SRR) member. The meeting is part of the investigation process and allows the accused student to discuss the incident from their perspective.
Based on the investigation process, the student's previous conduct, their role in the incident, and the severity of the allegation, a decision is made to determine whether the code has been violated and how the student will be sanctioned. The code states that an SRR staff member's decision is final unless the accused student requires a hearing to review sanctions that involve suspension, expulsion, or degree revocation. During the hearing, accused students have a chance to defend themselves before a panel, and they can have an advisor present. The sanction may be amended, reaffirmed, or removed based on the investigation, meeting, and hearing.
Contacting the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team
Hazing is treated as a punishable violation at ASU, leading to losing your degree, harming your reputation, or not being able to graduate. If you have been accused of hazing at ASU, it is essential to call the Lento Law Firm and not act alone. The student who made the report may have their own legal advisors present, putting you at a disadvantage when you want to defend yourself, even if you were not directly involved in the incident.
The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team understands the weight of these allegations and what they can do to a college student's future. With years of experience working with students nationwide facing damaging hazing accusations, the team knows what is at stake. The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team works tirelessly with you to aim for the best possible outcome, helping you get back on your feet and salvage your reputation among peers and professionals.
Don't act alone if you have been accused of hazing at ASU. The longer you wait to take action, the less likely you can look forward to a favorable case outcome.
If you or someone you love faces allegations of hazing at ASU, help is a phone call or message away at the Lento Law Firm.
Call the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team today for a confidential consultation at 888-535-3686 or message the team through this portal to understand your options.
