There’s only one reason you would have found yourself on this page: you’ve been accused of hazing at Northeastern University. Let’s not waste any time, then.
The first thing you need to know is that you can fight hazing charges. In fact, NU provides you with a number of important due process rights that you can leverage to protect yourself and your academic future.
Just as importantly, you need to know that it’s never a good idea to try and handle a hazing charge on your own. Judicial processes and procedures can be extraordinarily complex, and if you should lose, you’re likely facing a serious sanction—suspension or even dismissal.
Luckily, you don’t have to face this situation alone. The LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team is always here to help. We were founded to protect student rights. We’ve represented hundreds of students from all types of charges, including hazing accusations. We know how Northeastern’s processes and procedures work, and you can count on us to use every resource at our disposal to get you the best possible resolution to your case.
What can we do for you? Call 888-535-3686 today to find out, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Defining Hazing at Northeastern University
NU’s anti-hazing policy is among the most far-reaching you’ll come across. Virtually any act associated with initiation into an organization qualifies as an offense. That means you have to be especially careful if you’re going to avoid a charge. For example,
- Hazing isn’t just about the physical harm you might do to someone else. NU’s definition also includes “mental harm.” In fact, the policy goes on to note that “mental or physical fatigue or distress, discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, ridicule, and intimidation” can all result in charges.
- In addition, hazing isn’t just about actual harm. NU’s definition includes the word “endanger” and the phrase “creates risk.” In short, even if nothing goes wrong during an initiation activity, you can still be charged simply for creating circumstances that might potentially lead to physical or mental harm to another student.
- NU’s policy makes no mention of Greek organizations. Do not assume that just because you’re a member of an honor society, you are immune to investigation. All campus organizations are subject to the anti-hazing policy.
- Hazing isn’t just about initiation rites. It can also be a requirement for continued membership in an organization. In some cases, it is used to induct new leadership.
- The “consent” of participants is not a defense to hazing. Pledges don’t have to complain. In fact, they can deny they were harmed at all. Northeastern can still issue charges.
Northeastern’s policy carries the additional weight of Massachusetts’ anti-hazing law. Keep in mind, though, that the university’s policy is separate from the law and, in some elements, goes further than the law. NU can find you responsible for (guilty of) an offense even if the state declines to investigate. In fact, even if Massachusetts clears you of all charges, you can still face sanctions from Northeastern.
Those sanctions can be severe. Hazing cases make headlines, and no school wants the public to believe it is soft on misconduct. As a result, suspension is typically the minimum penalty. Dismissal is common.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
There’s a great deal at stake in a hazing case. You do have some important due process rights, though, rights designed to protect you and ensure no student is unfairly punished for an offense. For instance, you’re entitled to a presumption of “Not Responsible” (innocence). Only a preponderance of evidence can substantiate an allegation, and you have the right to challenge that evidence at a hearing.
- Cases begin with complaints lodged with the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSCCR). Anyone may make such a complaint, but the university must be certain the complaint is credible and actionable before proceeding.
- You’ll receive official notification of any charges the university decides to issue against you. This notification should explain the allegations and include a list of your due process rights.
- You can expect NU to conduct a thorough investigation. In fact, hazing cases often take weeks or even months to complete. As part of the investigation, you have the right to give your side of the story, to submit evidence, and to suggest witnesses. You further have the right to review all evidence collected as part of the investigation.
- Ultimately, investigators are tasked with creating a full report of their findings. Once the OSCCR receives this report, it sets a time and date for the hearing.
- Your hearing may take place before a single administrator, but more likely, you’ll face a Student Conduct Board. In either case, you’re allowed to present evidence to support your innocence, including witness testimony. You may also raise questions about any evidence being used against you and cross-examine witnesses.
- Your decision-makers will utilize a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” Far less strict than “beyond a reasonable doubt,” this standard requires them to find you responsible (guilty) if they are more than fifty percent convinced of your guilt.
- There is also an appeals process should you lose your hearing. Grounds for such appeals are limited, however, to issues such as the discovery of new evidence, a procedural error committed by the university, and disproportionate sanctions.
Unfortunately, Northeastern doesn’t allow students to bring attorneys or any other personal advisors to investigative meetings or hearings. This does not mean you should try to handle your case on your own. The fact is, your LLF National Law Firm attorney can provide you with crucial support, even if they’re never allowed to set one foot on campus.
You can expect them to work with you to uncover evidence. They’ll prepare you to respond to investigative interviews. They’ll map out your entire strategy and help you prepare your case, from questions for witnesses to evidentiary exhibits. They’ll even give you practice in presenting your case. Most importantly, they’ll monitor your case to ensure you’re treated fairly. That’s especially important any time a university wants to deny you due process protections like the right to an attorney.
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 LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team can make sure you’re fully prepared to defend yourself. They can insist Northeastern 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 LLF National 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.