Hazing is among the most serious charges a college student can face. It's also one of the most difficult to defend against. Most cases involve dozens of students; just separating out who did what can be a nightmare. These are also very public allegations, the sort of allegations that show up on the evening news.
It's always a mistake to try and go it alone when you're faced with a disciplinary misconduct charge. That's especially true if you've been charged with hazing. You need a professional on your side, someone with the knowledge and background to guide you through campus judicial procedures. You need someone from the Lento Law Firm watching out for your interests.
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team has helped hundreds of students defend themselves from all types of misconduct charges, including hazing. We know what you're up against. We also know how the Walden University system works and how to use it to your benefit.
It's important you contact us quickly, though. You can be sure Walden University 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 Walden University
Let's start with the basics. Just what does Walden University's anti-hazing policy have to say? This can help you avoid making a mistake, but it's also essential information for building your defense. You can't hope to respond to charges unless you fully understand what it is you're supposed to have done.
The thing is, WU's definition of hazing is broad, and that can make it difficult to avoid a violation.
- Walden's policy isn't just meant to prevent physical injury. Any activity that causes "fright, humiliation, or ridicule" qualifies as hazing. Even "mental or physical discomfort" can trigger a charge. In recent years, organizations and their members have been investigated for simply preventing pledges from having enough time to study.
- You don't have to cause actual harm to wind up accused of hazing. Any action that could “reasonably produce substantial risk” of harm is an offense. This means you can be charged even if nothing about your initiation activity goes wrong.
- Any “group or organization” can commit a hazing offense, not just fraternities and sororities. This includes honor societies, intramural athletic teams, and even religious organizations.
- Hazing is hazing regardless of a participant's "willingness." It doesn't help to get permission or have initiates sign waivers. Because membership is at stake, participation is always regarded as "coerced."
No school operates in a vacuum, and it is worth noting that the state of Minnesota has laws that prohibit hazing. In fact, Walden is required under these laws to report all hazing incidents. However, WU's policy is actually stricter than state law, and the university is entitled to investigate, adjudicate, and punish hazing whether or not the state decides to take action. Even if Minnesota determines you are entirely innocent of hazing charges, the university can still pursue charges.
The minimum sanction in hazing cases is usually suspension. Dismissal is also common. Don't risk these outcomes. The moment you're accused of a hazing offense, contact the Lento Law Firm to find out how we can help.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
You do have some important rights as an accused student, though it's not always clear how to use these rights to your benefit. As part of Walden University's commitment to due process, you're entitled to a presumption of innocence (“not responsible”), for example. The university must establish a “preponderance of the evidence” to find you “responsible for” (guilty of) an offense, and you should have an opportunity to respond to this evidence.
- Anyone at Walden University can accuse you of an offense including initiates, organization members, other organizations, faculty, administrators, and security personnel.
- If you've been officially charged with hazing, the university will provide you with notice of those charges. That notice should describe the complaint and explain your due process rights.
- The university should undertake some type of investigation, even if that investigation is informal. You should not be punished unless WU has uncovered clear evidence to substantiate any charges. As part of this process, you should be allowed to give your side of the story, to offer evidence, and to suggest witnesses.
- The university must also provide you with the opportunity to respond to any evidence it uncovers.
- Whoever decides your cases is required to utilize the “preponderance of the evidence” legal standard. This standard isn't as strict as “beyond a reasonable doubt,” but it does ensure that decision-makers must be more than fifty percent convinced you committed an offense before they find you responsible (guilty).
- Finally, you also have the right to appeal a responsible finding if you can show you were mistreated in some way by the process. Grounds for an appeal can include procedural error, the discovery of new evidence, and a disproportionate sanction.
Walden University's Code of Conduct is relatively undefined, and it's difficult to know exactly what kind of process you may face. Further, it is not at all clear whether or not you are allowed an advisor during the process or whether that advisor can be an attorney.
One way or another, though, you can be sure the Lento Law Firm attorney will help you put together your strongest case. No one can prevent you from consulting with us, and we can do everything from collecting evidence on your behalf to coaching you in how to respond to investigators' questions to drafting your presentation.
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 Walden 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.
