Brigham Young University (BYU) is a special place; BYU is about more than just academics. Being a BYU student is more than academics; it's about being part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints community. As a BYU student, you are expected to be an upstanding member of the community and a model example of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints morals and ethics.
When you're accused of hazing, your reputation in your community and academic career are threatened. You must do everything possible to defend your morals, be committed to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and your academic career. You need to retain the Lento Law Firm to have the best possible defense to these hazing allegations. Our Student Defense Team understands all you stand to lose and will fight vigorously to get your religious and academic life back on track. Let us help you; call us at 888-535-3686 or contact us using our online form.
Brigham Young University Hazing Policies
You and many others likely associate hazing with Greek life. So, if BYU doesn't participate in Greek life and there are no sororities or fraternities at BYU, then how can you be accused of hazing? While Greek life is a hot spot for hazing, hazing can occur within any student organization, whether it's sanctioned by BYU or not. BYU has a strong community, and student life revolves around participating actively in student organizations. Wherever there are student organizations, there can be hazing.
BYU doesn't specifically address or define hazing in its Honor Code or other policies. But that doesn't mean hazing is allowed. BYU states that students must comply with all BYU policies and "obey the law." Fortunately, Utah law isn't silent on hazing, which is a crime in Utah. Facing hazing charges at BYU and criminal hazing charges are completely different, but Utah law provides a helpful definition of hazing. Under Utah law, hazing is intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly committing any of the following acts or causing another to commit an act that:
- Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of another
- Is for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, holding office in, or as conduction of membership to an organization
Common examples of hazing include:
- Whipping
- Beating
- Branding
- Forced calisthenics
- Exposure to extreme heat, cold, or elements
- Forced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances
- Inducing mental stress, humiliation, shame, or embarrassment
- Sleep deprivation
- Deprivation of food or water
Brigham Young University Hazing Disciplinary Action Process
BYU addresses hazing like it does all other forms of misconduct through what it calls the investigation process. This is just another term for the disciplinary action process. BYU is different from other schools. Many colleges and universities are transparent about exactly how the disciplinary process works, but BYU isn't as transparent. BYU can follow the investigation process it shares publicly or deviate from that policy if it sees fit. Because BYU has the discretion to stray from its established disciplinary action process, it is important to have a Lento Law Firm attorney who can explain your rights and options every step of the way.
While BYU doesn't have to follow the investigation process, it often does in hazing cases, and the process will look as follows:
Investigation
BYU's Student Honor Office will investigate the alleged hazing incident. The investigation will include talking to you and other students familiar with the alleged incident to get an account of the event. The investigation may also include collecting evidence that would support or disprove the hazing allegation. At the end of the investigation, you will meet with a representative from the Student Conduct Office to discuss your case. This is your only opportunity to defend yourself, so you must be prepared. Your Lento Law Firm attorney will explain what you need to bring with you and how to effectively present a strong defense.
Interim Action
In some circumstances, the Student Honor Office will implement interim actions while an investigation is conducted. Interim action is taken to provide safety and reduce conflict between the parties involved in a hazing incident. If the Student Honor Office decides it is necessary to take interim action, it can include:
- Temporary suspension
- Restricting access to classes
- Restricting access to student employment
- Restricting access to student-approved housing
- Restricting access to campus facilities
- Restricting access to university activities or programs
Your education is important. Every day you are out of the classroom impacts your academic success. You have the right to fight interim actions taken against you, and you should, especially if it impacts your employment, housing, or access to academia. Your Lento Law Firm attorney can help you appeal these interim actions.
Determination
Once the investigation is completed, the Student Conduct Office will determine whether you are guilty of hazing and, if so, what sanctions are appropriate. Sanctions you could be facing if you are found guilty of hazing at BYU include:
- Counsel and Education
- Warning
- Probation
- Participation in the Steady Upward Course
- Suspension
- Withheld suspension
- Dismissal
Appeals
The disciplinary process at BYU is overwhelming and confusing. Things may have not gone according to plan. Maybe you thought you could handle the matter alone or felt ashamed to ask for help. If BYU has issued sanctions against you that include the following, you need to appeal your case with the assistance of the Lento Law Firm:
- Probation
- Suspension withheld
- Suspension
- Dismissal
Our Student Defense Team has helped numerous BYU students appeal their cases. We know you might feel defeated, but now isn't the time to give up. Let the Lento Law Firm help with your hazing disciplinary appeal.
Retain the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team Today
Don't leave your reputation and success in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints community and at BYU up to chance. Let the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team help you through the BYU hazing disciplinary action process. Contact us today at 888-535-3686 or through our online form.
