Joining a student organization at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a great way to build friendships, explore interests, and form connections that follow you throughout your professional career. VCU encourages students to join organizations, whether an on-campus club or a fraternity or sorority. However, involvement in a campus group also carries the risk of hazing accusations if something goes wrong. Hazing accusations can directly impact VCU students, not just the organizations they are a part of.
The best way to defend against hazing allegations at VCU is by immediately gathering evidence and responding to the claims with the help of the LLF Law Firm's Student Defense Team. Call 888-535-3686 today or fill out our confidential online form to get started on your defense at VCU.
Hazing at Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University has a robust hazing policy designed to protect students and reduce unproductive conduct on campus. VCU defines hazing as any physical or mental requirement or obligation placed upon another person that degrades them or could cause pain, discomfort, injury, disgrace, or fright. In addition, VCU considers actions that recklessly or intentionally endanger the mental, physical, or emotional health of students for the purpose of group initiation or admission as hazing, matching Virginia's state hazing laws. Finally, VCU also details many specific behaviors the school classifies as hazing, including:
- Blindfolding individuals to transport them or parade them in public.
- Coercing individuals to pretend to, or actually violate, laws or personal ethics.
- Subjecting individuals to interrogations designed to intimidate or humiliate.
- Restricting movement or kidnapping.
- Physically assaulting an individual.
- Requiring servitude.
- Forcing consumption of alcohol, drugs, or other substances, legal or illegal.
- Confining someone in unreasonably small, loud, unventilated, or unsanitary spaces.
- Disrupting normal academic or personal routines.
- Passive hazing, such as failing to report or intervene in observed hazing incidents.
Hazing can take many forms, and if you are facing hazing accusations at Virginia Commonwealth University, the LLF Law Firm can help. The academic and disciplinary punishments can be severe, and VCU is dedicated to preventing hazing among the student body. Our Student Defense Team knows the best way to defend your enrollment and future at Virginia Commonwealth University.
The Adam Oakes Case at Virginia Commonwealth University
All American colleges have some form of hazing prevention policies, but VCU became a national example of how seriously a university can take hazing. The tragic death of Adam Oakes was a sudden reminder of the devastating consequences hazing can have on students, families, and communities. Now, the risks associated with hazing allegations are even more severe.
Adam Oakes was a freshman pledge of the Delta Chi fraternity at VCU and died from alcohol poisoning after being coerced into consuming a large quantity of alcohol during a fraternity event. Following his passing, VCU implemented sweeping changes to its hazing policies and acted against those at fault. For example, VCU:
- Permanently expelled the Delta Chi fraternity from campus.
- Expelled or suspended several members of the fraternity, with less severe punishments for even more members.
- Cooperated with investigations that eventually led to 11 individuals facing criminal charges for their involvement.
Before this incident, hazing was still a punishable offense at VCU. However, VCU now has much higher expectations for students due to the extensive training the school provides. You should never try to defend against hazing allegations at VCU without first contacting the LLF Law Firm. Our Student Defense Team has kept a close eye on this case and fully understands the updated policies and risks at VCU. Contact the LLF Law Firm as soon as possible to defend your name during disciplinary proceedings for hazing at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Hazing Allegations and Disciplinary Procedures at Virginia Commonwealth University
Hazing accusations at VCU can change your future forever. With how seriously the university treats hazing allegations, you need experienced attorneys from the Student Defense Team when entering VCU's disciplinary system. Our Student Defense Team can help protect your rights throughout the entire process, which includes the following steps:
- Report: Any university community member or an external third party can report hazing through the VCU Helpline. VCU allows anonymous reports, which means there are fewer barriers to entry for someone to report you for hazing.
- Notification: After reviewing an allegation, the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity (SCAI) sends the respondent a Notification Letter outlining the alleged hazing violations, a summary of the complaint, and instructions to schedule a meeting within five business days.
- Investigation: A Student Conduct Administrator interviews the respondent and witnesses to understand the incident and determine the facts of the case. VCU hazing investigations and cases follow the "preponderance of the evidence" standard to determine responsibility.
- Resolution: VCU will close hazing investigations that do not generate any evidence of policy violations. However, they continue the case if they believe the hazing is likely to have occurred. Respondents can accept responsibility and resolve the matter, which leads to disciplinary sanctions.
- Hearing: If the respondent contests the findings or sanctions, the case may proceed to a Student Conduct Board (SCB) or Sanction Review Board (SRB). Students must present evidence, bring witnesses, and prove their side of the story to a panel of students, faculty, and staff.
- Appeal: Following an adverse outcome, respondents may appeal SCB decisions. However, there are limited avenues for appeal, such as procedural errors in the hearing or new evidence becoming available. VCU's Conduct Appeal Board will review the appeal and make a final recommendation to the Senior Vice Provost for Student Affairs.
It isn't uncommon for harmful hazing incidents to lead to severe disciplinary sanctions, such as expulsion or suspension from VCU. However, a solid defense during disciplinary proceedings can limit the harm of sanctions or even result in a favorable finding of Not Responsible. The Student Defense Team has direct experience assisting VCU students and should be your first call after receiving notice of hazing allegations.
Defending Against Hazing Allegations at Virginia Commonwealth University
Hazing at VCU might lead to criminal charges, but that is not the only thing you have to worry about. Often, the impacts on your enrollment are even more disastrous and limit your potential far into the future. Local criminal defense attorneys cannot provide detailed guidance on what to do during VCU disciplinary procedures, but the Team is here to help.
Our Student Defense Team has assisted many VCU students during disciplinary proceedings, including those involving hazing allegations. Call the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or contact us through our website to get started.
