You have a long road ahead if you've been accused of hazing at Florida International University (FIU). Even if the allegations against you seem minor, your entire academic career could be on the line. The disciplinary action process at FIU is taxing, and you can't guarantee you will get the benefit of the doubt. Don't gamble on your future by going in this alone; contact the Lento Law Firm for assistance with your case. Our Student Defense Team will do everything in our power to clear your name and mitigate the consequences of the allegation. Let us help you today by calling 888-535-3686 or contacting us online.
Florida International University Hazing Policies
You may not remember it, but as a freshman or transfer student, you were required to become acquainted with FIU's anti-hazing policies. FIU takes hazing seriously and requires all newly enrolled students to complete an online training called Hazing Prevention 101. Hazing is strictly prohibited by the FIU Student Conduct and Honor Code (as well as Florida's anti-hazing law).
FIU defines hazing as “any group or individual action or activity that inflicts or intends to inflict physical or mental harm or otherwise endanger or discomfort which may demean, disgrace and/or degrade any person, regardless of location, intent or consent of participant(s).”
FIU takes hazing incredibly seriously. In addition to making Hazing Prevention 101 mandatory for all FIU students, it requires all student organizations, fraternities and sororities, and athletic departments to incorporate anti-hazing training and policies into their programs.
The university's policies on hazing are comprehensive, and it even lists specific actions that constitute hazing at FIU. It states that hazing includes, but is not limited to:
- Interfering with another student's academic performance
- Forcing consumption of any food, alcohol, controlled substance, or drug
- Forcing physical activity
- Deprivation of food, water, or sleep
- Forced isolation or exclusion from social contact
- Engaging in activities that compel a person to remain at a certain location or transporting anyone (for example, kidnaps, drops, or road trips)
- Physical abuse or discomfort
- Mental abuse
- Sexual misconduct
- Theft or destruction of property
- Compelling performance or personal chores, tasks, or errands
- Verbal abuse or degradation
- Prescribing pranks
- Compelling scavenger hunts, treasure hunts, or other quests
- Any action or threatened action that would subject the individual to embarrassment, humiliation, or mental distress
- Any act prohibited under Florida hazing law
If you're accused of hazing at FIU, you can expect it to take the allegations seriously. Especially since you have likely completed more than one of FIU's mandatory anti-hazing training, FIU will take a "you knew better" approach to your case immediately. You can't afford to face allegations without a strong defense – you need the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team fighting for you from the get-go.
Florida International University Disciplinary Action Process
At FIU, the disciplinary action process you are subject to is related to the type of offense you are accused of. Hazing charges fall under the category of conduct violations and are handled by the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity (SCAI). When you're accused of hazing at FIU, how your case will be addressed depends on the nature and severity of the case, but generally, the disciplinary process will look as follows:
Complaint
Whether the alleged hazing incident took place on or off campus, you can expect it to get to SCAI quickly. SCAI generally learns of alleged hazing incidents either by receiving a police report about the incident from the local police department, through a campus police incident report, or by a report from another student or faculty member. The SCAI Director reviews all hazing allegation cases and will decide if they need additional information or whether to file charges against the student immediately.
At FIU, you are entitled to and should have an attorney as your advisor throughout the disciplinary action process. You can't just retain any attorney; you need an attorney who is well-versed in student defense at FIU. Fortunately, the Lento Law Firm has represented countless FIU students and is here to help.
Interim Measures
In hazing cases, the SCAI Director may choose to take interim measures for the safety and comfort of the alleged victim. Common interim measures include:
- A no-contact directive
- Restriction or privileges or access to FIU events or facilities
- Interim suspension
If interim measures have been taken against you in the form of a suspension, you have the right to petition for a review of the action. The Lento Law Firm attorney can assist you with the petition process and argue that alternative measures are more appropriate. Our Student Defense Team will do everything we can to get you back in the classroom so your education isn't impacted throughout the disciplinary action process.
Investigation and Pre-Adjudication
If the SCAI Director needs more information to make a decision in your case, they will open an investigation. Investigations generally include looking for any video or photo evidence of the alleged incident and interviewing you and other relevant parties. Never meet with FIU officials or attend an interview without first consulting the Lento Law Firm attorney.
If you are charged with hazing at FIU, you will receive a letter with the charges and attend an information session where you will learn about the disciplinary action process.
Summary Resolution and Hearing
Your case may proceed in two ways after the SCAI Director files hazing charges against you. The first option is called a summary resolution. This option involves waiving your right to a hearing and accepting any sanctions an FIU Hearing Officer recommends. You should never accept a summary resolution without consulting the Lento Law Firm attorney. Your attorney will assist you in weighing the pros and cons of accepting the summary resolution and determining if it is the best option considering the facts of your case.
Alternatively, your case may proceed with a hearing. The Lento Law Firm attorney will thoroughly prepare you for the hearing. You will present your side of the story and evidence during the hearing and even call witnesses.
Determination
After your hearing, FIU officials will notify you of the outcome. If you are found responsible for hazing, you can expect one of the following determinations:
- Written reprimand
- Conduct probation
- Deferred suspension
- Suspension
- Dismissal from FIU
Appeals
Hazing cases can be complicated, and especially if you didn't have guidance from a student defense attorney through the disciplinary process, you may be unhappy with the outcome. Whether the punishment isn't proportional to the hazing incident or you think FIU officials didn't follow procedure during your case, you may be entitled to an appeal. The Lento Law Firm can advise you on whether your case is eligible for appeal and, if so, how to go about the FIU disciplinary appeals process.
Retain the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team Today
Don't fight this battle with FIU alone. If you're accused of hazing, contact the Lento Law Firm. Our Student Defense Team is here to fight for your future. Contact us today at 888-535-3686 or using our online form.
