Hazing allegations at UC San Diego are no joke. That's even more true now that California has passed anti-hazing legislation. Hazing cases can involve a number of complications you just don't see in other misconduct cases. For instance, a surprising number of hazing charges involve a sexual component. That makes them subject to federal Title IX regulations. Cases almost always involve multiple Respondents (accused students), and it can be hard sorting out who did what. There are policies to define. All of that is in addition to the fundamental job of untangling the facts.
You don't want to try and defend yourself. Sanctions can be severe.
You don't have to defend yourself. Whatever the charges, whatever the situation, the Lento Law Firm is here to help. Our Student Defense Team is focused on protecting student rights. We know UCSD rules and regulations. We know how the university's judicial system operates. We've represented hundreds of students over the years, and we'll make sure you get the very best possible resolution to your case.
We can't help, though, if you don't contact us. Call 888-535-3686 to find out, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Defining Hazing at UC San Diego
UCSD's anti-hazing policy actually begins by quoting the entirety of California's new anti-hazing legislation, known as “Matt's Law.” The university wants you to know, right up front, that hazing isn't just a matter of policy; it's a matter of law. No school is ever willing to flout state or federal law.
The truth is, though, that school policy is actually more strict than even state law.
For instance, state law only defines hazing as “physical injury.” UCSD additionally defines it as “personal degradation or disgrace resulting in psychological harm.” In other words, what you say and how you treat pledges can be as significant as your physical actions.
There are other aspects of the university's policy you need to understand if you're going to avoid allegations.
- Hazing isn't just about actual harm. The wording includes actions that "cause, or are likely to cause" harm. This means that even if everything about your initiation process goes according to plan, you may still find yourself facing a charge.
- UCSD policy makes no mention of fraternities or sororities. Instead, it uses the generic term "organization." Even if you don't participate in Greek life, you can be accused of hazing in connection with your intramural team, your music group, or your honor society.
- UCSD actually defines "hazing" so broadly that you can be accused over incidents that may have nothing whatsoever to do with initiation. Out-of-control parties, for example, might qualify.
- Elsewhere, the university also makes clear that moving activities off-campus will not shield you from a charge.
For all the precise language used in the definition of hazing, UCSD doesn't offer any specifics when it comes to sanctions. This is typical of colleges and universities. They want to be free to assign penalties based on the context and severity of an offense. Technically, then, being found “Responsible for” (guilty of) hazing can result in anything from a warning to outright dismissal.
Hazing allegations make the news, though, and universities never want to seem soft on these kinds of offenses. Generally, you can expect sanctions like suspension and dismissal, even for low-level offenses. This is one reason why you need the Lento Law Firm attorney at your side. Any time your academic career could be in jeopardy, you want the very best help you can possibly find. No one gives you a better chance of successfully defending yourself than the Lento Law Firm.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
You do have the right to defend yourself from hazing charges, as you would from any other type of misconduct charge. You're entitled to a presumption of innocence ("Not Responsible"). You cannot be found Responsible unless the university can produce concrete evidence, and you always have the right to dispute that evidence.
- Hazing complaints can arise from almost any source in the campus community, from initiates and organization advisors to faculty and campus security.
- If you are officially charged, you'll receive notice of those charges. This notice will explain the allegations and it will describe your several due process rights (such as your right to a presumption of innocence).
- Among your due process rights, you are entitled to select an advisor. The Lento Law Firm attorney can't speak for you at meetings and hearings, but they can be on hand to offer to help you respond to the charges.
- Again, UCSD must have evidence in order to find you guilty of an offense. That means you can expect a thorough investigation. As part of this investigation, you should be asked to give your side of the story. You can also offer evidence and suggest witnesses.
- Hazing investigations can be complex and may take several weeks or even months to complete. Once investigators are done, they turn over their findings to the Office of Student Conduct. That office then sets a time and date for a hearing.
- Hazing is usually serious enough to warrant a hearing before the Community Standards Board. Both sides get to offer arguments to this board, to present evidence, and to call witnesses to testify. In addition, you have the right to raise questions for any witnesses testifying against you.
- Responsible decisions are based on the legal standard "preponderance of the evidence." If board members believe it is "more likely than not" that you committed the offense, they must find you Responsible.
- You can appeal a Responsible finding. However, you must have sufficient grounds for such an appeal, such as a procedural error, new evidence, or a disproportionate sanction.
This general outline only hints at the many rules and regulations that govern UCSD's judicial system. Cases always unfold based on the specifics of the charges, and you can never be sure what to expect. You can count on the Lento Law Firm attorney, though, to prepare you for every possible scenario. We know how processes and procedures work, and we can even show you how to use them to your advantage.
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 UCSD 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.
