Brown University makes no bones about its stance on hazing:
“Hazing is a threat to students' health, safety, and mental and physical well-being.”
We agree. We're not going to defend hazing.
Here's the thing, though—Brown isn't always even-handed in how it dispenses justice. Hazing is the kind of offense that gets colleges and universities on CNN, and rather than risk that kind of exposure, and most schools enact anti-hazing policies that go overboard. They accuse perfectly innocent students, they conduct investigations that are overly zealous, and they impose sanctions that are far more severe than offenses deserve.
So, while we do not defend hazing, we are committed to defending students charged with hazing.
It doesn't matter if you are entirely innocent, the victim of some sort of misunderstanding, or someone who made an honest mistake, we're on your side and dedicated to getting you fair treatment and a just resolution. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights. We know how Brown's judicial system operates and how to use it to your best advantage. No one gives you a better chance of winning your case. No one.
To find out more about how we can help, call 888-535-3686 today, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Defining Hazing at Brown University
The goal, of course, is to avoid a hazing charge in the first place. Easier said than done, sometimes, but understanding Brown's anti-hazing policy is a good start. Of course, it's full of legalistic language and can be hard to parse. So here are the most important points.
- Hazing applies to any form of physical harm, but it also applies to activities that cause "mental and emotional" harm. Further, Brown's definition of "hazing" includes "humiliating, intimidating, degrading, or demeaning treatment." Even simple verbal harassment can warrant a charge.
- You don't actually have to cause harm to be charged with hazing. One of the most important words in the university's hazing definition is “endanger.” If you create circumstances in which there is a potential for harm, that's enough.
- You can also be charged for activities that “damage public or private property,” “compromise Brown's academic mission,” “violate any other university policy,” or—crucially—“involve the consumption of alcohol.”
- Brown is careful to include all types of “organizations” in its definition. You don't have to be in a fraternity or a sorority. You can find yourself charged over your honor society's activities.
- The very first phrase in the definition notes that hazing can happen “on or off-campus.”
Brown doesn't delineate sanctions for hazing offenses. However, it is important to note that penalties for organizations can include suspension and removal from campus, while penalties for students can include suspension and expulsion.
There is far too much at risk to try and handle a hazing complaint yourself. The moment you're charged, it's important you contact the Lento Law Firm. We understand the stakes, and we're experienced with hazing cases. We've helped hundreds of students defend themselves from all types of charges.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
Brown's anti-hazing policy is strict, but there is good news. The university affords accused students the right to due process. For instance, you are “Not Responsible” until proven “Responsible.” You have the right to review all evidence in the case. You also have the right to defend yourself at a formal hearing.
- Hazing allegations can come from anywhere—initiates, organization members, other organizations, other students, organization advisors, faculty, staff, administration, and security personnel. As a result, they often arise unexpectedly.
- You'll know you've been charged because Brown must issue you written notice of the charges. That notice should explain the allegations and list out all of your due process protections.
- The university cannot proceed against you with evidence, so you can expect a full investigation. Keep in mind, though, that you have the right to give your side of the story, to offer evidence, and to suggest witnesses.
- Hazing investigations sometimes last several weeks or months. When they are complete, investigators submit a complete report of their findings back to the university. At this point, the university sets a time and date for a hearing.
- At the hearing, you'll face either an administrator or a full conduct board. In either case, decision-makers should be trained and unbiased. Both sides present arguments and back those arguments with evidence. You may call witnesses, and you may raise questions for any witnesses against you.
- Ultimately, decision-makers apply a legal standard known as "preponderance of the evidence." According to this standard, you are "Responsible" (guilty) if they are more than fifty percent convinced you committed the offense.
- Finally, you have the right to appeal the hearing outcome. You must have specific grounds to do this, however. Grounds at Brown are strictly limited to the discovery of new evidence and a procedural error.
Brown does not allow students to bring attorneys with them to investigative meetings and hearings. That does not mean you should forego hiring the Lento Law Firm attorney. Quite the opposite, in fact. Any time a school wants to deny you an important due process right like access to counsel, you need someone in your corner to ensure you're treated fairly.
More importantly, the Lento Law Firm attorney can construct your entire case, from uncovering evidence to developing your central lines of argument. They'll coach you on how to respond to investigative questions, draft documents on your behalf, and even work with you to develop your hearing presentation. No one can limit the Lento Law Firm's ability to protect you.
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 that Brown University 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.
