Being part of a student organization is important to the college experience. You build friendships and make memories that can last a lifetime. Traditionally, part of joining organizations, from Greek life to sports, has involved some longstanding rituals, many of which are considered hazing. While you know that California State University, Northridge has policies against hazing, maybe you thought that after decades and generations of these organizations existed, hazing was accepted despite the rules. Or perhaps the accusations of hazing against you are a misunderstanding.
Regardless of how the accusations of hazing against you at Cal State Northridge have come about, you must take them seriously. Hazing charges can result in severe consequences, including expulsion. At the Lento Law Firm, we don't believe that one mistake should derail your academic career. Our Student Defense Team will do everything we can to get you the best possible outcome in your case and get you back on track. Get started with us today by calling 888-535-3686 or contacting us online.
California State University, Northridge Hazing Policies
Cal State Northridge looks to both the California Penal Code and the Fraternity Insurance Purchasing Group to define hazing. California law and Cal State Northridge define hazing as "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 at Cal State Northridge also covers "any act likely to cause physical harm, personal degradation, or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm" to any student.
Cal State Northridge also applies the Fraternity Insurance Purchasing Group definition of hazing: "any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule.” Hazing covers both psychological hazing and physical hazing. Common hazing activities 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
- Subjecting pledges to extreme hot or cold temperatures
- Requiring pledges to perform personal services
- Verbal harassment
- Misleading pledges about initiation activities
- Scavengers or road trips
- Silence periods
- Calling pledges by derogatory or demeaning names
California State University, Northridge Hazing Disciplinary Action Process
The hazing disciplinary action process at Cal State Northridge can be a long road. When someone accuses you of hazing at Cal State Northridge, the complaint will be sent to the Student Conduct Administrator. They will investigate the complaint against you to decide whether charges of hazing will be warranted.
Investigation
The Student Conduct Administrator will interview you and other relevant parties to investigate the alleged hazing incident thoroughly. They may also collect evidence such as video recordings, social media posts, and any other documentation that is related to the event. The Student Conduct Administrator has 40 business days to complete their investigation into the hazing accusations against you. After this time, they must schedule a conference with you to discuss your case.
Interim Action
At the end of the investigative phase, the Student Conduct Administrator may implement an interim action against you. These actions include a temporary suspension, campus restrictions, no contact orders, and more. If the action taken against you is a temporary, also called interim, suspension, you have a right to request a hearing to terminate the suspension. Interim suspensions are ordered when the Student Conduct administrator believes that the suspension is necessary to protect the safety of people within the Cal State Northridge community. When you request to have a hearing for your interim suspension to be lifted, the Student Conduct Administrator has 10 business days to schedule the hearing before the Hearing Officer. Following the interim suspension hearing, the Hearing Officer must issue a prompt decision and notify you.
Conference
After completing the investigation, you will receive a Notice of Conference, which you may have received already. At the conference, you have the opportunity to share your side of the store and make your case. You may decide to enter an agreement with the Student Conduct Administrator where you waive your right to a hearing and accept sanctions. While this may be a good option, you should first talk to the Lento Law Firm attorney to weigh your options. You may also decide to continue fighting the charges at a hearing.
Hearing
A hearing before the Hearing Officer will be scheduled for 10 to 20 business days after your conference. Both you and the Student Conduct Administrator will present their sides of the case. This can include presenting evidence and asking witnesses questions. When the hearing is over, the Hearing Officer will decide if it is "more likely than not" that you violated Cal State Northridge's hazing policy and recommend sanctions. Cal State Northridge's President will then decide if the sanctions are appropriate and should be finalized.
Consequences for Hazing at Cal State Northridge
You can face several consequences if you are found guilty of hazing at Cal State Northridge. Sanctions for hazing can include:
- Restitution
- Loss of financial aid
- Educational sanctions
- Remedial sanctions
- Restrictions of access on campus
- Restrictions on contact with others
- Disciplinary probation
- Suspension
- Expulsion
Can I be Represented by an Attorney in My Hazing Proceedings?
You always have the right to have an attorney help you through the disciplinary action process. Our Student Defense Team helps you prepare for all meetings, contacts, and hearings with Cal State Northridge officials and ensures your rights are upheld throughout the process. Unfortunately, Cal State Northridge doesn't allow attorneys to be present with you at disciplinary proceedings unless the sanctions being proposed include expulsion and/or you are also facing criminal charges as a result of the hazing incident.
Retain the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team Today
If you're a Cal State Northridge Student facing disciplinary action for hazing, the Lento Law Firm is here to defend you. Our Student Defense Team has fought for countless students in California accused of hazing. You can't afford to go in alone when your future is on the line. Ensure your best chance of success; call our Student Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or contact us online today to get started.
