You cannot afford to take a hazing allegation at the University of Michigan lightly. This isn't like a charge of vandalism or trespassing. If the allegations are serious enough, hazing cases can wind up on CNN. Hazing is illegal in Michigan, and colleges and universities in the state can be positively draconian in assigning penalties.
Of course, just because you've been accused of this offense doesn't mean you're actually guilty. Students wind up accused of misconduct for all sorts of reasons. Even if you did make a mistake, it shouldn't destroy your academic career at UM.
You deserve the right to defend yourself. You deserve fair treatment and a just resolution to your case. The Lento Law Firm can help you get these things. Our Student Defense Team is committed to protecting your rights. That's not just something we hold as an ideal. We know the law, we know UM policy, and we know how to use these tools to your advantage. Most important of all, we're on your side no matter what your situation may be.
What can we do for you? Call 888-535-3686 to find out, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Defining Hazing at the University of Michigan
Michigan law creates a foundation for the University of Michigan's anti-hazing policy. You need to know, though, that UM policy goes much further than the law. In fact, you can find yourself charged with a campus offense—and punished for that offense—even if law enforcement chooses not to pursue a case against you.
The thing is, the law only prohibits actions that endanger another person's “physical health or safety.” UM policy additionally defines hazing as the threat of “emotional damage.” That is, even if your actions don't lead to bodily injury, you can still be charged. Even verbal harassment can be enough.
Here are the other important points of the policy.
- You don't have to cause actual harm to be found Responsible for hazing. Actions that are “potentially hazardous” or place individuals “at risk” of harm qualify as offenses.
- Despite common perceptions of hazing as a “Greek problem,” UM's policy doesn't actually mention fraternities and sororities. Instead, it refers to “any group.” That might include intramural athletic teams, music groups, and even honor societies.
- UM doesn't just define hazing as an initiation rite. Hazing can be required for “membership, advancement, or continued good standing” in an organization.
- “Consent,” by definition, cannot be used as a defense to charges of hazing. Once membership in an organization is contingent on participation, participants cannot be said to have consented to activities.
The University of Michigan is firm in its statement that it cannot "support the continued operation of any group which allows such [hazing] practices” and further notes that students found Responsible for (guilty of) such offense should receive "appropriate sanctions." The policy does not go so far, though, as to prescribe specific penalties for hazing offenses.
You should be prepared to face suspension or even expulsion, and any time your academic career is threatened, you cannot afford to take the situation lightly. You need to be fully prepared when you face investigators and hearing panels. Part of being prepared is having the right team in place to support you. No one is better equipped to protect your rights than the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
You don't give up your rights when you become a student. The University of Michigan policies afford you the right to a presumption of innocence, for instance, to a thorough investigation and to defend yourself at a full hearing.
- Part of what makes hazing allegations difficult to defend against is that they can arise from anywhere—a disgruntled pledge, a rival campus organization, faculty, staff, or anyone else connected to campus.
- However, any time you are under investigation, UM must provide you with notice of the charges. That notice should explain the allegations and detail your due process rights.
- While an investigation can be difficult, it is ultimately to your advantage. UM cannot proceed unless it has concrete evidence against you. In addition, you have the right to give your side of the story, to offer evidence, and to suggest witnesses for investigators to interview.
- Once the investigation is complete, investigators submit a written report summarizing their findings. At this point, the university sets a time and date for a hearing.
- The hearing affords both sides the opportunity to make their cases. You can present arguments, introduce evidence, and call witnesses to testify. You can also raise questions for any witnesses against you.
- Decision-makers employ a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence” to determine whether or not you are “Responsible for” (guilty of) the offense. According to this standard, you are guilty if it seems “more likely than not” that you committed the offense.
- You can appeal the hearing outcome, but only if you can point to some basic unfairness in the judicial process itself. Grounds for an appeal include the discovery of new evidence, a procedural error, or a disproportionate sanction.
A hazing case is never simple. Beyond trying to establish the facts of the case, you may need to sort out who did what. Your defense could depend on very specific definitions from the UM hazing policy. If there is a sexual component to the allegations, you may be subject to federal Title IX guidelines.
The good news is that you don't have to deal with all of these issues on your own. The University of Michigan allows you to choose an advisor. The Lento Law Firm attorney cannot speak for you, but they can be on hand to help you answer questions and present your defense. More importantly, they'll work with you to develop that defense, from uncovering evidence to suggesting questions for witnesses. They'll make sure you're prepared for whatever you have to face and show you how to use your due process rights to your best advantage.
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 Michigan 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.
