Hazing isn't your typical offense. Yes, it's included in the University of Rochester's general Standards of Student Conduct right alongside other offenses like trespassing and misuse of computer resources. Hazing has its own policy, though, and its own webpage.
It's also the sort of offense that tends to make headlines. For whatever reason, hazing carries a lot of weight in communities. What that means is that schools like the University of Rochester are often driven to create extreme policies. Students who may have nothing to do with an incident can easily get caught up in investigations. Students who are guilty can wind up with sanctions far more severe than their offenses deserve.
If you've found yourself accused of such an offense—whatever the particulars of the situation—it's important you contact the Lento Law Firm as soon as possible. We're focused on student defense, and we've protected hundreds of students from charges like hazing. We know the law, we know how the University of Rochester judicial system works, and we're always on your side.
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 Rochester
Hazing isn't just a matter of University of Rochester policy. It's a matter of New York state law. Why does that matter? For one thing, New York law serves as the model for university regulations. In addition, though, it also creates a mandate for the University of Rochester to both establish a tough policy and institute tough enforcement. Once a law exists, universities can be held civilly liable any time hazing occurs, and no school wants to risk its financial bottom line.
No surprise, then, that the University of Rochester's policy is strict. For instance, where state law bars activities that endanger other persons' physical well-being, the university additionally prohibits activities that could potentially cause “mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule.” Even poking fun at what someone's wearing could be enough to trigger a charge.
Here are some more things you need to know about the policy in order to avoid trouble.
- Both the law and university policy make clear that you do not have to actually cause harm in order to be charged. It is enough that an action carries the “potential” to cause harm. In other words, even if nothing goes wrong, you can still be punished for hazing.
- The university's hazing definition covers events that occur both on and off campus.
- Hazing doesn't just apply to Greek organizations. The policy is clear that “any organization” can be charged, from intramural sports teams to honor societies.
- “Willing participation” is not a defense to hazing. If membership in the organization requires participation, that participation is, by definition, “unwilling.”
The University of Rochester does not prescribe specific penalties for specific policy violations. Sanctions depend on the context of incidents. However, hazing penalties often draw the most serious punishments, like suspension and expulsion. And even if the university is proposing a far less severe sanction, keep in mind that a Responsible (guilty) finding on your permanent record can literally follow you around for the rest of your life.
You cannot afford to take chances with your future. Any charge, any proposed penalty, and you must fight. The Lento Law Firm is here to help you in that fight.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
A hazing defense can be difficult to mount. Even the basic process and procedures can be difficult to navigate.
- Anyone at the University of Rochester can accuse you of hazing. That includes initiates, organization members, other organizations, advisors, faculty, staff, administration, and security personnel.
- If you are charged, the university should issue you a Notice of the Charges. This notice will contain details about the allegations and a list of your due process rights.
- What follows is an investigation. You can expect investigators to ask for your side of the story. You should also have a chance to provide evidence and suggest witnesses.
- Hazing investigations can last for several weeks. Typically, many people are involved in incidents. Once the investigation is complete, investigators submit a written summary of their findings back to the university.
- The university then sets a date and time for a hearing and appoints one or more decision-makers to preside over this hearing.
- Hearings work like criminal trials, at least in structure. That is, both sides get to make arguments and support those arguments with both physical evidence and witness testimony. Both get to question evidence as well and to cross-examine witnesses.
- A campus hearing is not a criminal trial, though. One important difference is in how they are decided. Criminal trials use the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard you probably know from movies and television. At the University of Rochester, the standard is "preponderance of the evidence." You are guilty if it seems "more likely than not" that you are guilt.
- You can appeal your case should you lose. Appeals have to do with the fairness of the process, though. This means that grounds for appeal are limited to issues like the discovery of new evidence or an accusation of procedural error.
Unfortunately, the University of Rochester does not allow students to bring an attorney with them to meetings and proceedings. The Lento Law Firm regards this as a serious violation of your due process rights.
However, you should know that no one can prevent you from consulting with the Lento Law Firm, and we can play a crucial role in your defense even if we never step one foot on campus. For instance, your attorney will work with you to uncover evidence and use that evidence to develop clear lines of argument. They'll suggest questions for witnesses, draft documents on your behalf, and even coach you on how to present your case.
Beyond anything else they may do, though, the Lento Law Firm attorney is tasked with monitoring the case and ensuring you are treated fairly from start to finish.
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 Rochester 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.
