You can't afford to take any misconduct allegation at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities lightly. Hazing allegations, though, come with special challenges. Most hazing cases involve multiple students. That means just establishing the basic facts of the case can be difficult. Often, hazing charges are accompanied by other charges, such as underage drinking and Title IX sexual misconduct, which can further complicate the situation. Plus, hazing cases tend to be very public. That can make it difficult to get a fair hearing.
The bottom line is that you never want to try to handle a hazing charge on your own. You need help—the very best help you can find.
When it comes to student representation, no law firm in the country is better at protecting student rights than the Lento Law Firm. Our Student Defense Team has helped hundreds of students defend themselves from all types of charges, including hazing allegations. We know what the law has to say about students; we know how the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities' judicial processes work, and you can count on us to use every resource at our disposal to get you the best possible resolution to your case.
Don't wait to contact us, though. You can be sure the university is preparing its case against you. You need to be preparing 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 Minnesota – Twin Cities
Hazing is prohibited under the University of Minnesota's Student Code of Conduct. That code applies to all UMN campuses, including Twin Cities. The key to avoiding a charge, of course, is understanding exactly how UMN – Twin Cities defines this offense. There are a lot of misconceptions about hazing, and if you aren't fully informed, it's easy to make a mistake.
- As a starting point, hazing isn't just about doing physical harm to another student. The UMN – Twin Cities policy talks broadly about students' "health and safety" without reference to "physical" health. Additionally, the university's hazing definition specifically includes "personal degradation and humiliation" as examples of offenses.
- Don't make the mistake of assuming that you can only be charged for hazing if someone actually gets hurt. UMN – Twin Cities' definition uses the word “endangers” to refer to acts of hazing. In other words, you can be charged simply for creating a situation in which harm could occur.
- Hazing is often associated with Greek organizations. However, UMN – Twin Cities makes no mention of fraternities and sororities, referring instead to “student group[s].” Any campus organization can be accused of hazing. In fact, the only group the policy specifically mentions is “University athletic team[s].”
- Hazing isn't just used in initiation rites. It can also be used as a means of gaining “continued” membership in an organization. Just because an incident doesn't involve pledging a group doesn't mean you'll avoid a charge.
- Having pledges sign consent forms won't protect you, either. The "willingness" of participants is not a defense to hazing because once membership in the organization is at stake, no participant can truly be said to be "willing."
The University of Minnesota – Twin Cities doesn't mandate any particular sanction for hazing offenses. Technically, a student found responsible for (guilty of) hazing could be punished with nothing more than a warning. However, because hazing is such a public offense, most cases end in suspension or dismissal. No university wants to be labeled as soft on student misconduct. This is one reason why it's so important you have a Lento Law Firm attorney on your side the moment you're charged.
Defending Yourself from Hazing Allegations
The good news is you have a number of important rights as a UMN – Twin Cities student. The university can't simply accuse you of an offense and dismiss you. You are entitled to due process—an investigation and a hearing. It's not always easy, though, to know how to use these rights effectively, especially in a hazing case.
Here's what you can expect.
- Anyone can file a hazing complaint against you—initiates, organization members, advisors, other organizations, faculty, staff, administration, and security personnel.
- If the university decides to charge you, you'll receive notice of the charges. This notice should include an explanation of the allegations. This can be crucial for building your defense, but you must know how to interpret the information.
- You are “innocent until proven guilty” (“Not responsible” until proven “responsible”). This means the university needs evidence to substantiate its charges. You can expect a thorough investigation. You'll be invited to give your side of the story, but UMN – Twin Cities will also interview any complainants (alleged victims) and witnesses and collect all physical evidence associated with the case.
- Hazing investigations are usually complex and can take weeks or even months to complete. Once investigators have turned over their findings, the university then sets a time and date for a formal hearing before the Campus Committee on Student Behavior (CCSB).
- At the hearing, you have the right to offer any argument in support of your innocence and to present evidence to back those arguments. You may call witnesses to testify. Of course, the other side will have the same opportunity.
- The CCSB uses a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” This standard is far less strict than “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Basically, you are guilty if committee members are more than fifty percent convinced of your guilt.
- You can appeal a responsible outcome. However, you must have grounds to do so. At UMN – Twin Cities, grounds are limited to
- Procedural error;
- Misapplication of university policy;
- The discovery of new evidence;
- A disproportionate sanction;
- A finding not based on evidence.
As this outline suggests, judicial processes and procedures at UMN – Twin Cities can be complex and difficult to navigate. Luckily, the university gives you the right to an advisor and to choose an attorney to serve in this role. That means your Lento Law Firm attorney can accompany you to investigative meetings and other proceedings and advise you on how to respond to questions and how to present your case.
More broadly, you can count on your attorney to help you with all aspects of your case, from uncovering evidence and mapping out your defense strategy to developing questions for witnesses and drafting documents.
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 UMN – Twin Cities 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.
