How seriously does UCLA take hazing? Just check out the university’s SOLE (Student Organizations, Leadership, and Engagement) page. You’ll find no less than four prominent links to resources about hazing, including

  • A definition of hazing
  • A university “statement on hazing.”
  • An anti-hazing form to be signed by every organization’s member
  • An anti-hazing form to be signed by every organization’s senior leadership

Fair enough. We’ve all read the headlines. We all know how dangerous hazing can be. Unfortunately, strict policies sometimes mean overly zealous enforcement, and when that happens, universities tend to make mistakes. They accuse innocent students, and they punish the guilty with sanctions that are far too harsh.

If you’ve been accused of hazing, whether you’re entirely innocent or you made some sort of mistake, the LLF National Law Firm is always on your side. Our Student Defense Team was founded to protect your rights. We know what the law has to say about education, and we know how UCLA’s judicial procedures operate. We can show you how to use the system to your benefit, and we’ll make sure you get the very best possible resolution to your case.

To find out more about how we can help you, call 888-535-3686 or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.

Defining Hazing at UCLA

Hazing isn’t just a matter of school policy at UCLA anymore. As of 2023, it’s now a matter of California state law. That has only added more impetus to UCLA’s administration to enforce school policies. Once a law exists, colleges and universities are open to civil liability any time an incident occurs. If UCLA cannot show that it did absolutely everything in its power to prevent hazing, a single incident can cost the university millions of dollars.

No surprise, then, that the university’s policy is strict or that it’s posted all over campus and all over the internet.

Staying out of trouble, of course, starts with knowing, in concrete terms, exactly what it says.

Let’s start, then, by looking at UCLA’s definition of hazing:

“Any action taken or situation created, intentionally or unintentionally, whether on or off [University] premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule.”

One sentence, but notice just how many key clauses that sentence contains.

  • “Any action taken or situation created”: This suggests that planning or preparing for a hazing activity qualifies as hazing, whether or not you actually follow through on the plan.
  • “intentionally
    ,
    or unintentionally”: This makes clear that accidents qualify and, further, that ignorance of what might happen as a result of your actions is not an excuse.
  • “Whether on or off [University] premises”: You can be charged no matter where an incident occurs.
  • “to produce”: Note that this connects back to “Any action taken,” and ultimately means that it doesn’t matter whether harm actually occurs or not. If you take an action “to produce” the condition of harm, you can be charged.
  • “to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule”: Hazing isn’t just about physical danger. The potential for mental and emotional harm is included as well. Even a disparaging comment can be construed to constitute hazing. Even asking pledges to consume alcohol can leave you vulnerable to an allegation.

As if all of this isn’t strict enough, UCLA further notes that violations “will not be tolerated.” Though this policy doesn’t state definitively what kinds of penalties hazing offenses warrant, the university has, in the past, banned organizations from campus, and students can be issued sanctions up to and including suspension and outright dismissal.

Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations

An allegation is not the same as a “Responsible” (guilty) finding. UCLA cannot assign you a sanction unless it has proven it is “more likely than not” that you committed an offense. To do this, it must conduct a full investigation and come up with some type of evidence. Additionally, it must give you the opportunity to defend yourself. Further, you have a number of due process rights meant to protect you, including the right to a presumption of innocence, the right to review all evidence, and the right to judges free of bias against you.

To ensure that you’re granted all of these rights, you are also entitled to an advisor and to choose an attorney to serve in this role. This means your LLF National Law Firm attorney can help guide you through the defense process from start to finish.

  • Cases typically begin with an allegation. The university cannot charge you, though, unless those allegations are credible. Your LLF National Law Firm attorney can make sure UCLA doesn’t open an investigation prematurely.
  • You are entitled to a Notice of the Charges, which should outline the specifics of the allegation. Your attorney can use this information to begin building your defense.
  • During the course of the investigation, your LLF National Law Firm attorney will make sure your voice is heard. You have the right to give your side of the story and to offer evidence. They’ll also sit beside you and help you to answer any questions.
  • Once the investigation is complete, investigators submit a written document summarizing their findings. You have the right to review this document. Your attorney will go over it as well and make sure it is accurate.
  • Next, you have a chance to present your entire case at a hearing. Your LLF National Law Firm attorney can’t speak for you, but they are on hand to offer advice, and prior to the hearing, they help you prepare all aspects of your defense, from gathering evidence to coming up with questions for witnesses.
  • Once both sides have presented their cases, decision-makers deliberate. They must use the “preponderance of evidence” standard in determining your level of responsibility. Your attorney can hold them to this standard.
  • Finally, your attorney will monitor absolutely everything that happens, and if you are treated unfairly in any way, they’ll be prepared to file an appeal on your behalf.

UCLA gives you the right to an advisor. Make sure you make the most of this right. Campus judicial procedures can be complicated, and when suspension and dismissal are on the table, you can’t afford to take any chances. Certainly, you don’t want to try and handle your case yourself. Just as importantly, you don’t want to put it in the hands of a local or family attorney either. The LLF National Law Firm is the premier firm in the country when it comes to student defense. You don’t want anyone else defending you.

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 LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team can make sure you’re fully prepared to defend yourself. They can insist UCLA affords you every due process right to which you are entitled. In the end, they offer you your very best chance of success.

Let the LLF National 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.

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