It's never a good idea to try and represent yourself when you've been charged with disciplinary misconduct. That goes double if you've been charged with an offense like hazing. Hazing has become a national concern, with the public and state legislatures paying close attention to how universities police their campuses. As a result, cases can be complicated, sanctions can be severe, and often accused students can find themselves discussed on the evening news.
If you've been charged with hazing or a similar offense at Western Governors University, it's important you take the situation seriously. That means hiring the very best legal representation you can find.
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights. We understand the law as it applies to students. We're also familiar with Western Governors University's judicial policies and procedures. No matter what your particular situation, we're on your side and ready to fight for your academic future.
You cannot afford to wait to contact us, though. You can be sure WGU 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 Western Governors University
Western Governors University doesn't actually maintain an anti-hazing policy as such. However, the Student Code of Conduct does prohibit activities related to hazing. For example,
- Physical abuse: WGU bars any type of conduct that “threatens or endangers” the health or safety of any person. Violence is sometimes a key component of hazing rituals.
- Attempted or actual property damage: The classic Greek organization scavenger hunt often involves instances of theft and/ or property damage.
- Illegal use of alcohol: Hazing events frequently involve drinking to excess. Sometimes, activities include pressuring pledges, even underage pledges, to consume alcohol.
- Unprofessional conduct: WGU's Code of Conduct specifically prohibits conduct that includes “threatening, bullying, [and] verbal abuse,” again, common components of hazing rituals.
In addition to these rules and regulations, the Code of Conduct also makes the "violation of any federal, state, or local law" an offense. This is significant since hazing is addressed in Utah state law. The law defines hazing broadly as any act that endangers either the "mental or physical health of a school employee or student."
Thus, even though Western Governors University doesn't specifically address hazing in its Code of Conduct or other school policies, an offense can result in charges, an investigation, and, ultimately, serious sanctions. Again, hazing is often a very public offense, and no school wants to seem light on offenders. Suspension is usually the minimum penalty, and dismissal is common.
Any time your educational future is at stake, you cannot afford to take the situation lightly. You cannot trust WGU to protect you when it investigates you. You need someone in your corner, someone watching out for your interests. You need an attorney from the Lento Law Firm.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
You do have important rights any time you're accused of a misconduct offense, including hazing. WGU is required under its own policy to treat you as “not responsible” (innocent) until it can prove to a “preponderance of the evidence” that you are “responsible” (guilty). Establishing your responsibility requires substantiating evidence, and you have the right to dispute that evidence at a university hearing.
- When someone lodges a misconduct complaint against you, the university assigns a Conduct Officer to handle the case.
- If you've been officially charged with an offense, the university will supply you with official notice of the charges. That notice should explain the allegations against you and detail your due process rights as the respondent (accused).
- The Conduct Officer conducts an investigation into the charges. The university must have some evidence in order to proceed with the case. Otherwise, the Conduct Officer must dismiss the case. As part of the process, you have the right to give your side of the story, offer evidence to investigators, and suggest potential witnesses. You also have the right, throughout the investigation, to review any evidence the Conduct Officer uncovers.
- Hazing investigations sometimes take weeks or even months to complete. Often, investigators must interview dozens of students in addition to collecting physical evidence. Once the investigation is complete, however, the Conduct Officer turns their findings over to a Student Conduct Board, and the case moves to a hearing.
- At the hearing, both sides get to argue their points and present evidence, including witness testimony. In addition, both sides have the right to raise questions about evidence, including witness testimony.
- Again, the standard of responsibility (guilt) at WGU is "preponderance of the evidence." In simple terms, you are guilty if decision-makers decide it is "more likely than not that you committed an offense.
- WGU has an appeals process in place for students who feel they were treated unfairly by the process. You must have grounds for an appeal, such as an allegation of a procedural error, new evidence to present, or an argument about the severity of the sanction you've been issued.
Unfortunately, WGU does not allow students to bring attorneys with them to investigative meetings and hearings. The Lento Law Firm regards this as a direct violation of your due process rights and a threat to the possibility of justice.
Nevertheless, you should know that the Lento Law Firm attorney can play a crucial role in helping you with your defense, even if they're not allowed on campus. For example, your attorney will work with you to collect evidence and identify your strongest arguments. They'll coach you in how to respond to investigators. They'll outline your hearing presentation, suggest questions for witnesses, and give you practice in making your arguments. Throughout it all, they'll monitor everything that happens, making sure you're treated fairly and that you get a just resolution to your case.
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 Western Governors 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.
