We're not here to tell you that hazing is acceptable or to argue that you have some sort of Constitutional right to haze. We fully support the University of Washington's anti-hazing policy and the Washington state law that underpins it. Hazing can endanger participants' physical, psychological, and emotional well-being, and time and again, it's been shown that there is no way to create "safe" versions of hazing activities.
That said, we know that universities like the University of Washington frequently overreact to hazing allegations. They are under enormous public and political pressure to prevent incidents, and pressure never leads to reasoned, deliberate actions. At the first mention of hazing, schools frequently wind up charging perfectly innocent students; they conduct overly zealous investigations, and even where students are guilty, they assign draconian sanctions far in excess of what most hazing offenses deserve.
The Lento Law Firm stands behind you no matter what charges you may be facing, whether you are the victim of a misunderstanding or looking to negotiate a fair punishment for a mistake. Our Student Defense Team is committed to the idea that you deserve due process rights and every reasonable opportunity to finish your degree, even if you've made a mistake or two. We know the University of Washington system, and we'll use every resource available to fight for your academic future.
What can we do for you? Call 888-535-3686 today to find out, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Defining Hazing at the University of Washington
Avoiding a hazing charge at the University of Washington begins with understanding how the school defines hazing. Only when you have a complete grasp of what qualifies as an offense can you truly protect yourself.
Here are the basics.
- Hazing is not just about “physical harm.” The term applies to “psychological or emotional harm” as well. In fact, UW lists examples of hazing that include “activities that expose personal value to compromise or ridicule,” “activities that interfere with academic pursuits,” and even “coercing” someone to drink.
- You won't avoid a charge just because nothing went wrong and no one was hurt. The university prohibits hazing, whether or not it leads to an injury. The test is whether or not the activity is “likely to cause” harm.
- Hazing isn't just something that happens in fraternities and sororities. UW's definition includes activities conducted by any "student organization, athletic team, or living group." Even honor societies can be charged.
- The “consent” of an initiate cannot be used as grounds for defense. If membership depends on an initiate's participation, they cannot be said to have consented to any activity.
Finally, UW policy promises to punish both organizations and individuals who participate in hazing. Organizations have been barred from campus. As for individual punishments, given the public scrutiny hazing charges usually receive, you should expect UW to assign harsh penalties in most cases, up to and including suspension and dismissal.
You cannot afford to risk these outcomes, and the truth is most students don't deserve such harsh penalties. If you've been charged, you need the best help you can get to make sure you get the best possible outcome. The best possible help? An attorney from the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
The University of Washington frequently overreacts to hazing allegations, but it cannot simply charge you and punish you. You are always entitled, under school policy, to due process. The university cannot find you Responsible for (guilty of) an offense without clear evidence, and UW must give you the opportunity to respond to this evidence at a formal hearing.
- Hazing cases begin with a complaint. Complaints can come from almost anywhere—initiates, organization members, other organizations, other students, organization advisors, faculty, staff, administration, and security personnel.
- UW must decide whether the complaints are credible and actionable before proceeding. If you are charged, you'll receive notice of those charges.
- Among your due process rights, you are entitled to bring an advisor with you to meetings and other proceedings. Before you head into any investigative meeting or answer any questions, you want to make sure you have the Lento Law Firm attorney at your side.
- Investigators will give you a chance to provide your side of the story. They'll interview other Respondents (accused students) and witnesses as well, and they'll collect any physical evidence.
- Hazing investigations can be lengthy and last several weeks or months. Once investigators have submitted their findings, though, the case then moves into its next phase—a hearing.
- Hearings take place before a designated Hearing Officer. Both sides present evidence and may call witnesses to testify. You'll also have the chance to raise questions for any witnesses against you.
- Hearing Officers are directed to decide cases using a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” This is not “beyond a reasonable doubt.” In simple terms, you are Responsible if the officer believes it is “more likely than not” that you committed the offense.
- Another key due process right UW allows you is the right to appeal the hearing outcome. However, appeals are strictly based on issues of procedural fairness. Grounds for an appeal include
- A material error in the process that affected the outcome
- New evidence that was not available at the time of the hearing
- A sanction that is clearly more severe than the offense warrants
The right to an attorney is a significant advantage in defending yourself from UW hazing charges. It's important that you use this right, though, and that you make the most of it.
The Lento Law Firm attorneys aren't just defense attorneys. They focus on defending students from misconduct allegations. That means they are well-versed in UW policy, they understand UW judicial procedures, and they're highly experienced at talking with faculty and administrators. A local or family attorney just won't do. The Lento Law Firm has represented hundreds of students. Only we can prepare you for what you'll face. Only we can show you how to use your due process rights to 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 Washington 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.
