Hazing is one of the most serious offenses you can be accused of committing at Valencia College. Yet, few students truly understand this offense. Even fewer know what happens when you're charged with hazing. Valencia's judicial processes and procedures can be complex and difficult to navigate.
Below, you'll find information about how to avoid a hazing charge and what to do if, despite your best efforts, you should wind up accused of this offense.
This isn't the sort of defense you want to take on alone, though. So, before we get into any of that, it's important you know how to get help when you need it. The Lento Law Firm is always on your side, no matter what your situation. Our Student Defense Team knows what you're up against, and we're prepared to use every resource at our disposal to ensure your rights are protected and that you get the best possible resolution to your case.
It's important you contact us quickly, though. You can be sure Valencia College 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 Valencia College
Again, few students actually understand the rules when it comes to hazing. In part, that's because Valencia's anti-hazing policy is both complex and broad. Virtually any activity associated with initiation can be classified as hazing under the right conditions. Here are some of the most important aspects of the policy that you need to keep in mind.
- Hazing isn't just about the physical harm you might do to pledges. Hazing incidents that result in injury and death tend to be the ones that make the news, but you can also be charged for harming a pledge's mental health or their dignity. In recent years, students have even been charged for things like preventing pledges from keeping up with their coursework.
- Hazing isn't just about actual harm. If you “endanger” another student, that's enough to qualify as an offense. This means that even if your event goes smoothly and no one complains, you might still face an investigation.
- Hazing tends to be associated with Greek life. However, any campus group or organization can wind up accused, from music clubs to honor societies.
- Even off-campus activities are subject to SMU's anti-hazing policy.
- Having participants sign waivers will not prevent a hazing charge. Because membership in the organization is at stake, all participation is necessarily “coerced.”
Hazing is not just a matter of Valencia College policy. It's also a violation of Florida state law. Keep in mind, however, that Valencia College is not limited by state law. For instance, you can face charges from the state and the college at the same time. Further, even if the state should decide you are innocent of hazing charges, that will not prevent Valencia from issuing its own charges, conducting its own investigation, or imposing its own sanctions.
Valencia College makes clear that hazing offenses are subject to the harshest penalties. Organizations can be barred from campus. Individual students can face suspension and even outright expulsion. When these kinds of sanctions are on the line, you simply cannot afford to try and represent yourself. You need the Lento Law Firm attorney in your corner, looking out for your rights and protecting your interests.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
Even if you're careful, you can still find yourself accused of hazing. Again, the policy is complex and broad. So, how do you protect yourself if you should be charged?
It turns out, you have some important due process rights at Valencia College. You are "innocent until proven guilty," for example, just as you would be in a court of law. The college needs concrete evidence to find you responsible (guilty), and it must provide you with the opportunity to challenge any evidence it uncovers.
Here's a rough outline of what you can expect.
- Anyone at the college may lodge a complaint against you with the Dean—initiates, organization members, other organizations, organization advisors, other students, faculty, staff, administrators, security personnel.
- If the Dean decides to conduct an investigation, you will receive official notice of the charges against you. This notice should explain the nature of the complaint. It should also include a list of your due process rights.
- You have the right to an advisor, who may be an attorney. This means someone from the Lento Law Firm can accompany you to any investigative meetings and help you give your side of the story.
- Hazing investigations often involve dozens of students and sometimes take weeks or even months to complete. Throughout the process, though, you have a right to review any evidence investigators uncover.
- Once investigators submit their findings, the Dean will assign a time and date for a hearing. Hearings can take the form of an administrative conference, especially if the charges are relatively minor. Most hazing cases, though, are serious enough to appear before a full Conduct Board.
- In either case, you are allowed to introduce evidence and call witnesses. The other side gets to do the same. In addition, both sides have the opportunity to challenge evidence, including witness testimony.
- You also have the right to appeal a negative hearing outcome. You must have grounds to do so, though, such as a procedural error, new evidence to present, or an argument about the severity of your sanction.
Note that the Lento Law Firm attorney cannot speak for you during judicial proceedings. You must present your own case. That's typical of campus judicial systems. What we can do is prepare you to present your own defense.
You can count on your attorney to help you identify evidence, for instance, and fine-tune your strongest arguments. We'll coach you in how to respond to investigators. We'll outline your hearing presentation, suggest questions for witnesses, and even give you the chance to practice making your case. Most importantly, we'll keep an eye on everything that happens to ensure Valencia College treats you fairly.
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 Valencia College 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.
