The University of Colorado at Boulder (CU Boulder) has a long and painful history regarding hazing, particularly in fraternities. In 2004, a student at CU Boulder died as a result of acute alcohol poisoning and was found with slurs written on his body. CU Boulder took swift and severe actions against the Greek community there, and as a result, many of these organizations left and formed “IF on the Hill.” Other Greek organizations have re-established affiliation with CU Boulder or are unaffiliated. In December 2024, police were called to an independent Greek organization where a number of students were allegedly overdosing. CU Boulder has done repeated investigations of student organizations throughout the last ten years, with some resulting in hazing findings and discipline. Because of this history, charges of hazing at CU Boulder will be more complex, with the possibility of more severe punishment.
If you have been accused of hazing at CU Boulder, you need an experienced hazing defense attorney to guide and protect you. The Lento Law Firm has a proven track record of successfully defending countless college students, and we can help you. Call the Lento Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 or leave your details online, and we will contact you.
Authority and Jurisdiction
The CU Boulder Code of Conduct controls all student disciplinary matters. Hazing is included as conduct for which a CU Boulder student may be disciplined. The Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (SCCR) Department controls the disciplinary process and decides the outcome or discipline imposed in individual cases. The SCCR will assign a “resolution specialist” to investigate and decide disciplinary matters.
Hazing at CU Boulder
The CU Boulder Code of Conduct defines hazing as:
“Any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the health, safety, or welfare of, or causes a risk of bodily injury to, an individual for the purpose of initiation, participation, admission into, or affiliation with any organization or CU Boulder group. Hazing includes but is not limited to: any abuse of a mental or physical nature, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drugs, or substances, any forced physical activity that could adversely affect the health or safety of an individual, any activity that would subject the individual to embarrassment or humiliation, or any forced violation of CU Boulder policy, and/or local, state, or federal law. The willingness of the participant in such activities are notwithstanding.”
This definition is notable in that it includes abuse of both a mental or physical nature and exposing an individual to embarrassment or humiliation. This is a broad definition of hazing and one that could prohibit relatively innocuous conduct.
Hazing Under Colorado Law
The CU Boulder policy on hazing references and includes Colorado hazing law as follows (as Appendix 3 of the Code of Conduct):
- “Hazing” means any activity by which a person recklessly endangers the health or safety of or causes a risk of bodily injury to an individual for purposes of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any student organization; except that “hazing” does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions, or authorized training activities conducted by members of the armed forces of the state of Colorado or the United States.
- “Hazing” includes but is not limited to: a. Forced and prolonged physical activity; b. Forced consumption of any food, beverage, medication, or controlled substance, whether prescribed, in excess of the usual amounts for human consumption or forced consumption of any substance not generally intended for human consumption; c. Prolonged deprivation of sleep, food, or drink.
CU Boulder essentially incorporates the Colorado criminal law definition of hazing into its Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct defines hazing and says that any violation of Colorado's hazing law violates the Code of Conduct.
Possible Disciplinary Outcomes at CU Boulder
The following are possible disciplinary outcomes for students accused of hazing at CU Boulder.
- Warning, reprimand, or probation.
- Suspension.
- Expulsion, which makes the student permanently ineligible to study at CU Boulder.
CU Boulder may impose any of these disciplines or impose more than one. The severity of the punishment depends on the nature of the allegations.
Defending Hazing Charges at CU Boulder
If a student is accused of hazing at CU Boulder, the defense to the charges will follow several steps.
Notice of Charges and Request for Meeting
The student will generally receive notice of a resolution meeting, including a summary of allegations and facts supporting them. At this point, the student must schedule a resolution meeting. No student should attend a resolution meeting without speaking to legal counsel first.
Formal Process
If the university proceeds with the charges, it will begin either an informal or formal process. The formal process is typical for more serious charges, which may result in discipline, suspension, or expulsion.
The formal process is problematic at CU Boulder as the university does not offer a full hearing, with cross-examination of witnesses and an unbiased fact-finder not involved in the investigation phase. The student accused of hazing must ask the resolution specialist to interview witnesses, and the resolution specialist must make a “good faith effort” to do so. A student accused of hazing should take witnesses' statements. The Lento Law Firm can advise students on how to do this. The student should also ask for copies of all evidence the resolution specialist considers.
Decision and Outcome
The resolution specialist will review the evidence and prepare a decision and outcome, deciding whether a hazing violation occurred and the appropriate discipline.
Appeal of Decision
If a student already has an unfavorable decision from the resolution specialist, that student may appeal. Appeal rights are limited, particularly for hazing allegations under Colorado law. The Director of SCCR must approve the appeal and appoint a Conduct Appeal Board. The Board will review and decide the appeal and prepare an Appeal Decision Letter. The Appeal Board can reduce the discipline or refer the case back to the resolution specialist for further action.
How the Lento Law Firm Can Help
Call the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team today if you face hazing allegations at CU Boulder. The potential consequences of a hazing charge are devastating and could end your college career. The Lento Law Firm has represented countless students accused of misconduct, and we can help you. Call the Lento Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 or leave your details online, and we will contact you.
