Hazing is a serious charge. It merits a serious response.
Hazing typically involves dozens of students—multiple complainants, respondents, and witnesses. You may be facing peripheral charges as well, like disorderly conduct, sexual misconduct, or underage drinking. Sanctions can be severe, up to and including outright dismissal from the university.
What constitutes a “serious response”? First, you need to educate yourself about the nature of the charges you face. The University of Louisville's policy is complex, and if you're going to prove your innocence, you need to know exactly what it is you're supposed to have done. Next, you need a clear sense of what's involved in campus judicial procedures. What rights do you have, and how can you leverage those rights to your best advantage?
Finally, and most importantly, you want to have the right help on your side. Hazing isn't the sort of misconduct accusation you can deal with on your own. You're going to need someone to help you navigate the system. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights. We're experienced, and we know exactly how the University of Louisville operates. We'll make sure you're prepared for whatever you have to face, and we'll fight to get you the best possible resolution.
It's important you contact us quickly, though. You can be sure the University of Louisville 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 one of our online forms.
Defining Hazing at the University of Lousiville
Very few students have a clear understanding of what hazing is. In fact, many of our clients don't even realize they've broken a rule until they find themselves accused. The University of Louisville's anti-hazing policy is broad (see the Code of Student Conduct), and that makes it especially easy to make a mistake.
Here are the basics.
- You can be charged with hazing for causing another student physical or mental harm. Simple verbal harassment counts. Pressuring pledges to drink counts. In recent years, even something as seemingly innocuous as interfering with pledges' sleep has led to investigations.
- Hazing isn't about harm; it's about the potential for harm. The keyword in the policy is “endanger.” In other words, even if your initiation activity goes off without a hitch, you could still face charges because something “could have” gone wrong.
- Hazing is usually associated with fraternities and sororities, but it can occur in any campus organization. All groups are expected to uphold the anti-hazing policy.
- The UL policy is careful to note that the “consent” of participants is not a defense to hazing. The fact that all of your pledges agreed to activities doesn't matter. The fact that membership in the organization was on the line negates any possibility of “consent.”
The University of Louisville's anti-hazing policy is actually mandated by Kentucky state law, and under the law, you can be charged with a class D felony. However, UL's policy is stricter than the law, and the university has the right to investigate you and punish you even if a state prosecutor decides you are innocent.
Any time suspension and expulsion are on the table, you cannot afford to defend yourself. There's simply too much at stake. The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm know what you're up against, and they can help you get through it.
Defending Yourself from Hazing Allegations
While UL's anti-hazing policy is strict, you'll find that the Code of Conduct also affords you some important rights to protect you. First and foremost, you are innocent until proven guilty (“not responsible until proven responsible”). “Proving” your guilt requires concrete evidence, and you get to challenge that evidence at a formal hearing.
- Cases begin when someone lodges a complaint against you with the Dean of Students Office. Anyone may file such a complaint, but only the Dean's Office can issue formal charges.
- The Dean's Office must supply you with notice of any charges. That notice is supposed to explain the allegations and all of your due process rights.
- You have the right to an advisor, and this advisor can be an attorney. Your Lento Law Firm attorney can't speak for you, but they can be on hand to offer advice and help you defend yourself.
- The university cannot proceed against you without substantiating evidence, so it must conduct some type of investigation. As part of this investigation, you have the right to give your side of the story. You are further entitled to review any evidence investigators uncover against you.
- Hazing is a complex offense, and investigations sometimes take weeks or even months to complete. Once they are complete, the Dean's Office will set a time and date for a hearing. Minor offenses at UL are handled in administrative conferences. Hazing offenses are generally treated as major violations, though, and usually appear before a conduct hearing panel.
- At the hearing, you have the right to present arguments and back them with evidence, including witness testimony. You are also allowed to raise questions about any evidence used against you, including witness testimony.
- Hearing decisions are based on a legal standard known as "preponderance of the evidence." Essentially, you are guilty if it seems "more likely than not" that you committed an offense.
- Finally, you have the right to appeal the hearing outcome if you can show that you were denied a fair hearing. Grounds for appeal typically include procedural errors, new evidence, or disproportionate sanctions.
Again, you must answer questions for yourself and present your own case at the hearing. Your Lento Law Firm attorney will help you prepare for these processes, though. They'll work with you to uncover evidence, map out your defense strategy, and even help you draft your presentation itself. Along the way, they'll also look out for your best interests, ensuring you're treated fairly and that you get a just resolution to your case.
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 the University of Louisville 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.
