You cannot afford to take a hazing allegation at Brandeis University lightly. Cases can be extremely complex, sometimes involving dozens of students and multiple additional charges. Hazing frequently garners headlines, meaning you may be subject to public scrutiny. And if you should be found responsible for (guilty of) an offense, you likely face at least suspension and, more probably, dismissal.
Put simply, you can't handle a hazing charge on your own. You need help. The very best help you can get.
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights. No one knows more about university judicial systems than we do. We're familiar with all of Brandeis's rules and regulations, and we've helped hundreds of students defend themselves from all types of charges, including hazing.
We can help you respond to allegations and salvage your academic future. You need to act quickly, though. You can be sure the university is preparing its case against you. You need to be preparing your defense. Call 888-535-3686 today to find out how we can help, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Defining Hazing at Brandeis University
Let's start simple. How do you avoid a hazing charge in the first place? You need to know exactly how Brandeis defines hazing so you can avoid getting into trouble, even by accident.
Here are the most essential elements of the university's hazing policy.
- Hazing isn't just about the physical harm you might do to another student. As Brandeis's definition of hazing points out, it can also involve "emotional" harm and can include any time of humiliation or degradation. In recent years, students have been charged with hazing for simple verbal harassment and even preventing students from completing coursework. In this context, even an ill-timed party might qualify.
- Hazing also doesn't necessarily involve actual harm. The Brandeis policy prohibits activities that “endanger” a person physically or emotionally. Even if absolutely nothing goes wrong during a hazing activity, you may still face charges.
- Brandeis makes a point to note that hazing doesn't just apply to Greek organizations: “Hazing can occur in any group, organization, or team, including academic clubs, athletic teams, club sports, honor societies, marching bands, military groups, performing arts groups, religious groups, service organizations, and social fraternities and sororities.” In short, if you're a part of any campus organization, you're responsible for following all rules and regulations regarding hazing.
- There's one more phrase in the Brandeis definition that deserves notice: “regardless of the person's desire or willingness to participate.” It doesn't matter if initiates have all signed waivers. It doesn't matter whether or not they complain. In fact, they can even testify that they weren't harmed in any way. If membership is at stake, participants cannot “consent” to hazing activities.
Hazing isn't just prohibited under Brandeis school policy. It's a violation of Massachusetts state law, and the university goes to the trouble of including an appendix that quotes that law verbatim. However, Brandeis has complete authority to enforce its own student code of conduct and is not limited in any way by government statutes. That is, even if the state declines to investigate a hazing incident or determines you are entirely innocent of any offense, this does not preclude the university from investigating or imposing sanctions on you.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
You do have some important due process protections as a student. You have a right, for instance, to a presumption of innocence ("Not Responsible"). Further, Brandeis must conduct an investigation, and it must hold a hearing to allow you to respond to that evidence.
- Hazing complaints can originate from almost anywhere. Often, they come from pledges, but they can just as easily be filed by another organization. In fact, the university administration can decide to file its own charges, even without a clear complainant (accuser).
- If you've been charged, you'll receive notice of the charges. This notice should explain the allegations and provide you with a complete list of your due process rights.
- Brandeis needs evidence to substantiate any charges against you. It must, therefore, conduct an investigation. These investigations can often be complicated and may take weeks or even months to complete. However, you have the right to give your side of the story, to submit evidence, and to suggest witnesses. Further, you are entitled to review any evidence investigators uncover.
- When the investigation is complete, the case moves into a new phase—a hearing. This may be an administrative hearing, but usually, hazing allegations warrant a full Student Conduct Board (SCB) hearing.
- The hearing allows you the opportunity to argue for your innocence or explain your decisions. You can introduce physical evidence and call witnesses to testify. You can also raise questions about any evidence being used against you, including witness testimony.
- Ultimately, board members must decide whether there is a “preponderance of the evidence” that proves your responsibility (guilt). Basically, if they believe it is "more likely than not" that you committed the offense, they are required to find you guilty.
- You can appeal should you lose your hearing, but you must have grounds to do so. At Brandeis, grounds for appeal are limited to
- Fraud;
- Denial of rights under the process;
- Procedural error;
- New evidence.
Brandeis does not allow students to bring attorneys or any other support persons to investigative meetings or hearings. The Lento Law Firm regards this as a serious breach of your due process rights, particularly in serious cases such as those involving hazing charges.
However, this policy does not prevent you from consulting with a Lento Law Firm attorney. The fact is, we can do an enormous amount for your defense even if we can't actually accompany you to proceedings. We'll work with you to uncover evidence and identify your strongest arguments. We'll coach you on how to respond to investigators. We'll draft documents on your behalf, suggest questions for witnesses, and even coach you in making your presentation.
Our most important job, though? Ensuring you're treated fairly.
Fighting for Your Future
Hazing is a serious offense, and a Responsible finding can mean serious sanctions. Just because you've been charged, though, doesn't mean you'll necessarily be found Responsible. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team can make sure you're fully prepared to defend yourself. They can insist Brandeis afford you every due process right to which you are entitled. In the end, they offer you your very best chance of success.
Let the Lento Law Firm help you fight for your academic future. To find out more, contact us today at 888-535-3686. Or, fill out our online questionnaire.
