Johns Hopkins University maintains a strict policy against all forms of hazing. Nothing wrong with that. Incidents in recent years have demonstrated just how dangerous hazing can be. States like Maryland have reacted with legislation banning the process, and colleges and universities have tightened their own rules and regulations.
That doesn't mean every student accused of hazing is guilty and deserves to have the book thrown at them. In fact, when schools take offenses like hazing too seriously, it's not unusual for innocent students to get caught up in investigations. Schools make mistakes. Misunderstandings and misinterpretations happen. And the fact is that even if you are guilty of hazing, you don't deserve harsh penalties like suspension and dismissal.
Whatever your situation, the Lento Law Firm is always on your side. Our Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights, and we take that role seriously. We believe every student deserves fair treatment and every possible chance to earn their degree. We know what the law has to say about hazing and educational rights. We also know how Johns Hopkins's administrative and judicial systems operate. We've helped hundreds of students salvage their educational futures, and we can help you to do the same.
If you've been accused of a hazing offense, don't wait. Call 888-535-3686, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Defining Hazing at Johns Hopkins University
No school, public or private, is going to ignore the law. An anti-hazing statute like Maryland's creates an obligation for schools to protect students. If JHU doesn't do absolutely everything in its power to prevent hazing, it can be held civilly liable for student injuries.
In fact, the university doesn't just maintain its own anti-hazing policy. That policy goes much further than state law. Johns Hopkins generally couches its rules in terms of “preventative education,” but make no mistake: it treats hazing as a serious offense, one subject to serious penalties.
Here's how JHU defines hazing:
“Any action taken or any situation created intentionally that causes embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule and risks emotional and/or physical harm to members of a group or team, whether new or not, regardless of the person's willingness to participate.
Notice all the many clauses here. Each one expands the definition in a new way, making it that much harder to stay out of trouble.
- Hazing isn't just about physical harm, for instance. The JHU definition includes acts that cause “emotional” harm as well.
- Hazing is frequently associated with Greek activities, but as this definition makes clear, any “group or team,” and any individual member, can be charged with misconduct.
- The “willingness” of members to submit to hazing abuse is not a defense. Because membership in the organization is at stake, initiates cannot be said to “consent” to hazing activities.
Elsewhere, JHU takes pains to explain that hazing isn't just about “violence.” “Harassment” counts as hazing, and there are “subtle” forms of hazing. Name-calling qualifies. Assigning demerits and any type of deception are also involved.
Finally, while JHU doesn't associate hazing offenses with specific sanctions, it is clear that serious offenses are subject to penalties up to and including suspension and dismissal. Keep in mind as well that should you find yourself dismissed from Johns Hopkins, you'll find it difficult, if not impossible, to find another school to take you.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
You're a responsible JHU student, so you take all rules and regulations seriously, including those related to hazing. That won't always protect you from an allegation. There are all sorts of reasons why faculty, administration, and other students sometimes level unfounded accusations, from simple misunderstandings to outright jealousy.
The good news is that JHU can't simply charge you and dismiss you. Just as in the real world, you are entitled to an investigation and to defend yourself at a full hearing.
- Most cases begin with an allegation lodged with the Office of Student Conduct, though there are some situations where the university's Title IX Coordinator may also be involved.
- Johns Hopkins must issue you a Notice of the Charges so you understand exactly what you're alleged to have done. In addition, this document should include a complete list of your due process rights, such as your right to a presumption of innocence (“Not Responsible”).
- The university appoints one or more investigators. These investigators generally begin by meeting separately with both the Respondent (the accused, you) and any Complainants (accusers). They talk with witnesses, and they collect any physical evidence.
- Investigators compile their findings into a written report. The university uses this report as the foundation of the hearing that follows.
- Hearings occur before either a single administrator or a full conduct board. In either case, you should expect decision-makers to be trained, and you should expect them to be free of bias in your case.
- At the hearing, you may introduce evidence, call witnesses, and cross-examine witnesses testifying against you.
- Decision-makers are required to employ a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence” in determining your level of Responsibility (guilty). Simply put, they must be more than fifty percent convinced you committed the offense before finding you guilty.
- You can appeal a Responsible verdict, but you must have grounds to do so. At Johns Hopkins, these include procedural errors, new evidence, or a disproportionate sanction.
While JHU does afford you a number of important rights, the university does not allow you to bring an attorney with you to meetings and proceedings. That is unfortunate, but you should be aware that the Lento Law Firm attorney can do far more for you than simply sit beside you in hearings. It's their job to design your entire defense. That means helping you uncover evidence, suggesting questions for witnesses, drafting documents, and coaching you on how to present your case. Most importantly, you can count on the Lento Law Firm attorney to monitor your case from start to finish to ensure you're treated fairly and afforded every right you deserve.
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 protect your rights. 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.
