Here's the first thing you need to know if you're facing a hazing charge at Purdue University. You can't handle the situation by yourself. Yes, you have some important rights, including the right to an investigation and a hearing. Using those rights effectively in the face of such a complex charge can be enormously difficult, though. Indeed, most attorneys aren't qualified to handle this sort of student misconduct allegations.
The Lento Law Firm isn't most law firms, and our attorneys aren't most attorneys. Our Student Defense Team was founded specifically for the purpose of helping students defend themselves. No one knows more about how universities operate than we do. We know Purdue's administrative and judicial processes and how to use procedures to your benefit. No one gives you a better chance at success than we do.
It's important you act quickly, though. You can be sure the university is already preparing its case. You need to be preparing your defense. Call 888-535-3686 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 Purdue University
If you're a member of a campus organization at Purdue—any campus organization—you could, at some point, find yourself facing a hazing charge. Part of the problem is that the university's definition of hazing is broad enough to include almost any type of initiation activity. It does help, though, if you have some sense of the school's policy. You'll find that tucked in amongst the other misconduct in Purdue's Code of Student Conduct.
- According to the university, hazing involves "any act that endangers the physical and/ or mental health or safety of a student." That last bit is especially important. Hazing incidents that involve some sort of physical injury or death are the ones that usually end up in the headlines, but you don't have to go nearly so far to wind up charged with an offense. Simple verbal harassment could be enough to cause someone mental harm. In fact, among the examples of hazing, Purdue's policy notes that you can be accused simply for preventing a pledge from attending class.
- The word “endangers” is important as well. That means you don't have to cause actual harm to trigger an investigation. Simply creating a situation in which someone could potentially be harmed is enough.
- Every campus organization is liable for following Purdue's anti-hazing policy. That includes fraternities and sororities, but it also includes intramural sports teams and even honor societies.
- In addition, Purdue doesn't just limit hazing to initiation activities. Instead, the policy applies broadly to “any activity.”
- Purdue specifically notes that “tradition” is not a defense to hazing.
- Likewise, the “consent” of those involved is not a defense. This means that even if no one complains—and even if pledges are willing to testify they weren't harmed—the university can still issue charges.
Purdue doesn't associate hazing with any particular sanctions or penalties. Keep in mind, however, that the public nature of these offenses virtually demands that the university impose severe punishments like suspension and dismissal on students found responsible. No school wants to risk being seen as light on this particular form of misconduct.
Defending Yourself from Hazing Allegations
Purdue's own policies offer you some protection from indiscriminate prosecution. Just as in the criminal justice system, you have the right to a presumption of innocence ("Not Responsible"). The university must have concrete evidence to substantiate any allegations before it can issue a sanction. Further, you have the right to challenge any evidence in a full and formal hearing.
Here's how the process works.
- Cases typically begin when someone lodges a complaint against you with the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (OSRR).
- If the OSRR decides the complaint is credible, it will issue formal charges. You'll receive written notice of these charges that explains the allegations and includes a complete list of your due process rights.
- You are allowed an advisor of your choice to accompany you to meetings and other proceedings. Your Lento Law Firm attorney cannot speak for you, but they can be on hand to offer advice and help you present your case.
- The university then conducts a full investigation. Hazing investigations can be complicated and sometimes take weeks or even months to complete. You'll have a chance to give your side of the story. The complaint will be invited to give their side as well. Investigators also interview any witnesses and collect physical evidence.
- Once the investigation is complete, investigators turn their findings over to the OSRR, which then sets a time and date for a hearing.
- Your hearing may take place before a single Conduct Officer. However, hazing cases usually appear before the Community Standards Board (CSB). Both sides get to offer arguments and support those arguments with evidence. You may also call witnesses to testify, and you have the right to cross-examine anyone testifying against you.
- Decision-makers employ a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence” to decide all misconduct cases. According to this standard, you are responsible (guilty) if they think it is “more likely than not” that you committed the offense.
- You have one more right as an accused student—the right to appeal a responsible verdict. Grounds for appeal at Purdue are strictly limited, though, to
- Procedural errors;
- New information that could potentially alter the hearing outcome;
- A sanction that is clearly disproportionate to the nature of the offense.
Again, you must speak for yourself during investigative interviews and at the hearing. However, your Lento Law Firm attorney can ensure you're fully prepared for whatever you'll face. They'll work with you to uncover evidence and map out your defense strategy. They'll suggest questions for witnesses and help you prepare evidence. They'll even give you practice in presenting your case. Most importantly, they'll keep a close eye on everything that happens and ensure that you're treated fairly and your rights are respected.
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 Purdue 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.
