Hazing is among the most serious charges any college student can face. It's also among the most difficult charges to defend against. Typically, dozens of students are involved—complainants, respondents, and witnesses. Just sorting out who did what can be a nightmare. Hazing charges frequently come with additional charges, like underage drinking, disorderly conduct, and even sexual misconduct. And often, allegations are public, complicating the chance of getting justice.
If you're a Tulane student accused of hazing, you need the best possible help you can get. You need the Lento Law Firm attorney. The Lento Law Firm is the premier firm in the country when it comes to representing students. Our Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights, and we have experience with every conceivable type of charge, including hazing. We know Tulane University policies and how to use judicial procedures to your benefit.
It's important you contact us quickly, though. You can be sure that Tulane 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 Tulane University
Let's start with an examination of Tulane's hazing policy and, in particular, the university's definition of hazing. In recent years, what counts as hazing has expanded to the point where it's almost impossible to host an initiation activity without leaving yourself vulnerable to a charge.
- For starters, hazing isn't just about physical harm. Tulane's policy talks about students' “physical, emotional, [and] psychological well-being” and bars all behavior that “humiliates, degrades, embarrasses, harasses, or ridicules.” Even a poorly worded comment can be enough to trigger an investigation.
- Hazing also isn't confined to actual damage you might do. Behavior that is “potentially harmful” qualifies. What this means is that even if your initiation activity goes off without a hitch, you can still be found rHazing is frequently associated with Greek organizations. Tulane even makes sure to include a copy of the policy on its Greek-oriented web pages. The policy itself, though, uses the general word "group." Any group and its members can wind up accused of hazing, from athletic organizations to honor societies.
- You can be charged with hazing even if you didn't intend to cause anyone harm. Tulane policy makes clear that organizations and their members have a duty to take "affirmative steps" to prevent hazing.
- You cannot avoid a hazing charge by having pledges sign waivers. Because membership in the organization is at stake, no participant can be said to be “willing.” Even if pledges testify that they were “willing,” the university can still charge you.
You should know that the state of Louisiana has passed anti-hazing legislation, making the act a criminal offense. This gives special impetus to Tulane's policy. However, Tulane is not bound by state law. Even if prosecutors decide you are innocent of all charges, the university still has the power to conduct investigations, hold hearings, and issue sanctions for what it deems hazing offenses.
Sanctions typically include suspension and outright expulsion from the university. Don't risk these outcomes. Make sure you have the Lento Law Firm attorney on your side to protect your interests.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
When you sign up to attend Tulane, you agree to abide by the university's rules and regulations, including those outlawing hazing. It's important to note, though, that your student status also comes with some important due process protections. The university cannot simply dismiss you over a misconduct charge. You are "not responsible" (innocent) until such point as the school proves your responsibility (guilt) to a preponderance of the evidence. What does this mean?
- Anyone at Tulane can accuse you of hazing, including pledges, organization members, administration, and security personnel. An accusation is only an accusation, though—it's just the first step in a long process and doesn't mean you'll ultimately be found responsible.
- If the university decides to charge you, it must issue you notice of those charges. That notice must contain an explanation of the allegations and a complete list of all your due process rights.
- All hazing charges are handled by the Director of Student Conduct. This official is responsible for initiating an investigation. The university cannot proceed with charges if it cannot substantiate those charges.
- As part of the investigation, you have the right to give your side of the story. You may submit any evidence you think is relevant to the case, and you may suggest witnesses for investigators to interview.
- Most hazing cases are complex, and they sometimes take weeks or even months to complete. Once they're complete, investigators turn their findings over to the Director of Student Conduct who sets a time and date for a hearing.
- Individual conduct cases are heard by a single administrator—a “conduct officer.” You have the right to offer any evidence in defense of your innocence or to otherwise explain your actions. This includes witness testimony. Further, you can raise questions about any evidence being used against you, including witness testimony.
- The conduct officer decides the case using a legal standard known as "preponderance of the evidence." This standard requires them to find you responsible (guilty) if they are more than fifty percent convinced of your guilt.
- You can appeal a responsible finding, but you must have grounds to do so. Grounds have to do with issues of fairness, such as whether or not the university followed its own procedures, whether all evidence in the case was available at the hearing, and whether the sanction applied in the case was proportionate to the nature of the offense.
Tulane does not allow students to bring attorneys with them to investigative meetings or hearings. The Lento Law Firm regards this as a violation of your rights and a threat to campus justice. Nevertheless, no one, including Tulane University, can prevent you from consulting with the Lento Law Firm.
Our job extends well beyond our ability to accompany you to proceedings. We'll help you uncover evidence, for instance, and outline your strongest arguments. We can suggest questions for witnesses, create evidentiary exhibits, and draft documents on your behalf. We'll work with you to develop a strong presentation, and we'll make sure you're well-practiced in presenting your arguments.
Beyond any of that, the Lento Law Firm attorney will monitor everything that happens in your case and ensure you're treated fairly at every step in the process.
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 that Tulane University 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.
