If you've been charged with hazing at Rensselaer Polytechnic, or you think a hazing charge might soon be coming, it's important you begin building your defense now.
What does building a defense to a serious student misconduct charge entail? First, you need to understand the charges against you, inside and out. Next, you need a working knowledge of the institute's judicial process and procedures. Most importantly, you need to know where to get good, solid help defending yourself.
You can't handle a misconduct charge as confusing as hazing on your own, and there's too much at risk to try it. You don't have to, though. The Lento Law Firm is always on your side and ready to help. Our Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights and make sure colleges and universities don't overstep their authority. We know how Rensselaer operates, including how judicial processes and procedures work, and we'll use every resource at our disposal to make sure you get the best possible resolution to your case.
It's important you contact us quickly, though. Rensselaer is already building its case against you. You should be building your defense. Call 888-535-3686 today to find out how we can help, or take a few minutes right now and fill out our online form.
Defining Hazing at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Why do you need to know Rensselaer's anti-hazing policy? Well, for starters, it can help you to avoid getting into trouble in the first place. Hazing is broadly defined in that policy, and if you aren't absolutely clear on that definition, you're almost certain to make a mistake.
If you've already been charged, you also need to carefully review the policy because you can't possibly hope to properly prove your innocence or explain your actions unless you're clear on what you're supposed to have done.
Here are some aspects of the policy that warrant special attention.
- Hazing includes any physical harm you might do to an initiate or an organization member. Pretty straightforward. However, it also includes any mental, emotional, and psychological harm you might do as well. Recent cases have involved actions as innocuous as keeping pledges up too late at night and preventing pledges from having enough time to study.
- Hazing isn't just about the actual harm you do to someone else. You can be charged simply for endangering someone's physical, mental, emotional, and psychological well-being. In other words, even if nothing goes wrong at your initiation event, that fact won't save you from a charge.
- All campus organizations are subject to the institute's anti-hazing policy. That includes fraternities and sororities. It also includes athletic clubs, music groups, and honor societies.
- The “willingness” of participants is not a defense to hazing. Because membership in the organization is on the line, participation in hazing activities is never “willing.” You cannot avoid a charge by having pledges sign waivers.
It's worth pointing out that hazing isn't just against Rensselaer policy; it's also against New York State law. That gives schools like Rensselaer extra motivation to enforce their hazing bans. However, Rensselaer's policy is not tied to state law. That is, even if state officials decline to prosecute you or prosecute you and find you innocent, you can still be charged by the institute, investigated, adjudicated, and punished.
Punishment in these cases usually means suspension or dismissal. Any time your academic future is at stake, you need someone from the Lento Law Firm on your side.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
Hazing can be a scary allegation, and there's a lot on the line. You do have the right to defend yourself, however, and a number of important due process rights to help you do that. You are "not responsible" (innocent), for example, until proven "responsible" (guilty). The institute must have evidence, and it must give you the opportunity to respond to that evidence.
- Anyone at Rensselaer can accuse you of hazing—initiates, organization members, other organizations, advisors, faculty, staff, administration, security personnel. The Dean of Students handles these accusations and makes decisions about whether an allegation is credible.
- If you have been charged with hazing, you should receive formal notice of this charge. This notice contains important information, including an explanation of the allegations and a complete list of your due process rights.
- The Dean then institutes a judicial inquiry—an investigation—into the allegations. As part of this review, you have the right to give your side of the story, to submit evidence, and to suggest witnesses.
- Because hazing investigations involve so many people, they sometimes take weeks or even months to complete. However, once their work is done, investigators submit their findings to the Dean, who sets a time and date for a hearing before a judicial board.
- Both sides are entitled to present their cases at the hearing. You may offer up evidence and call witnesses to testify. You may also raise questions about the evidence against you and cross-examine witnesses.
- Rensselaer judicial boards don't use the standard “beyond a reasonable doubt” in deciding cases. Instead, they apply a lesser standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” In simple terms, you are guilty if they are more than fifty percent convinced you are guilty.
- Finally, the institute also maintains an appeals process if you feel you were treated unfairly during the investigation or hearing. Grounds for appeal include issues like procedural errors, new evidence, and disproportionate sanctions.
In most cases, Rensselaer does not allow students to bring attorneys with them to investigative meetings and hearings. Do not let this dissuade you from hiring the Lento Law Firm attorney. We do far more than simply sit beside you during proceedings and offer advice.
For example, your attorney will work with you to uncover evidence and define your strongest arguments. They'll draft documents on your behalf, suggest questions for witnesses, and create evidentiary exhibits. They'll outline your entire defense and coach you on how to deliver it.
No one can stop you from consulting with an attorney. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
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 Rensselaer Polytechnic 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.
