Hazing is a serious offense at California State University, Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton). What may have seemed like a good time with friends on your sports team, sorority, fraternity, or other student organization got out of hand. And now you and potentially your friends are facing hazing accusations. Whether you, in fact, initiated or participated in a hazing incident or were an innocent bystander, you could be facing disciplinary action.
Hazing accusations can get you way more than a slap on the wrist. It's common for students found guilty of hazing to suffer consequences like suspension and dismissal from Cal State Fullerton. You need to take these accusations seriously from the get-go and call the Lento Law Firm. Our Student Defense Team has helped students at Cal State Fullerton and throughout California successfully fight hazing charges against them. We ensure your rights are protected, and you have an effective defense. Let us help you; call us at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
California State University, Fullerton Anti-Hazing Policies
Cal State Fullerton strictly prohibits hazing; it is a violation of its Student Conduct Code. Cal State Fullerton has adopted the definition of hazing in the California Penal Code. Hazing is "any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or body which is likely to cause serious bodily injury to any former, current, or prospective student" of any school or educational institution in California. Hazing also encompasses "any act likely to cause physical harm, personal degradation, or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm" to any student. Examples of hazing at Cal State Fullerton include:
- Paddling
- Beating
- Hitting
- Branding
- Sleep deprivation
- Withholding water or food
- Kidnaps or ditches
- Forced consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances
- Nudity
- Forcing students to dress in unusual or awkward ways
While Cal State Fullerton has always taken accusations of hazing seriously, it is even more so after the university was sued in 2019 following the hazing-related death of a Cal State Fullerton student. The Standards for Student Conduct specifically prohibits not just hazing but conspiracy to haze. Further, you can face disciplinary action under Cal State Fullerton's hazing policy, even if you didn't participate in the hazing event; being there could be enough to get you in serious trouble. The Standards for Student Conductstate, “apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing is not a neutral act, and is also a violation of this section.”
Students found guilty of hazing at Cal State Fullerton could face sanctions that include, but are not limited to:
- Written reprimand
- Restrictions on-campus privileges
- Removal from student organizations
- Suspension
- Dismissal
California State University, Fullerton Hazing Disciplinary Action Process
The disciplinary action process at Cal State Fullerton is straightforward. After an Office of Student Conduct Administrator learns of the hazing allegation against you, they will decide if it is appropriate to charge you with hazing violating the Student Conduct Code. They will also open an investigation into the hazing incident. The investigation must be completed within 40 days of the Office of Student Conduct receiving the hazing complaint. If charges are brought against you, you will be notified in writing and meet with the Student Conduct Administrator to discuss your case. Following the meeting, a few things can happen:
- They dismiss the hazing charges against you
- You accept a Resolution agreement waiving your right to a hearing and accepting proposed sanctions
- You request a hearing on sanctions
If you proceed with a hearing, it will be conducted by a Hearing Officer within 10 to 20 days after you receive notice of the hearing. When the hearing is concluded, the Hearing Officer will draft a report for the President with their conclusion (whether it is more likely than not that you committed the hazing violation) and propose sanctions. The President has the authority to approve or alter the sanctions. You will then be notified of the President's decision.
Can I Be Represented by an Attorney in a Hazing Disciplinary Action Proceeding?
Retaining an attorney whenever you are accused of misconduct at university, hazing or otherwise, is always a good idea. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team attorney is able to advise you on all interactions with Cal State Fullerton officials to ensure your rights are protected and you are prepared to effectively defend yourself in any interaction following a hazing accusation. Student defense attorneys can take on a couple of different roles when you're accused of hazing, either representing you as an attorney or solely providing guidance to you through the process.
The role of an attorney in Cal State Fullerton disciplinary actions is detailed in the University Policy Regarding the Use of Attorneys in Student Conduct Proceedings. Whether the Lento Law Firm attorney can represent you in an attorney capacity in hazing disciplinary proceedings depends on a few things. At Cal State Fullerton, students are generally not allowed to be represented by an attorney, but there are two exceptions: when you're facing dismissal from the university or when there are pending criminal felony charges arising from the hazing incident in question.
At Cal State Fullerton, in proceedings where you don't have the right to be represented by an attorney, you still have the right to consult with an attorney. The difference is that with representation, your attorney can speak, negotiate, and argue on your behalf throughout the proceedings. Your right to consult an attorney allows the Lento Law Firm attorney to prepare you to negotiate and defend yourself, help you understand the realistic outcomes, and advise on the best courses of action in your case.
Retain the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team
When hazing accusations threaten your academic future at Cal State Fullerton, you need the Lento Law Firm. At the Lento Law Firm, we believe your academic career shouldn't be ruined over a single mistake. Get started with our Student Defense Team today by calling 888-535-3686 or contacting us online.
