The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) takes hazing allegations seriously. In the last decade, UCSB has investigated and sought suspensions of many individuals and organizations for violating university hazing policy. UCSB has a broad definition of hazing and touts a zero-tolerance policy. Unfortunately, this policy means that students or organizations may face hazing allegations for participating in group activities that merely embarrass new members.
If you have been accused of hazing at UCSB, you need an experienced hazing defense attorney to defend and guide you through the student discipline process. The Lento Law Firm has a proven track record of successfully representing countless students over the last decade, 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 Office of Student Conduct controls all student disciplinary matters at UCSB. They may impose discipline for hazing behaviors, whether they occur on or off campus, if university organizations or students are involved.
Hazing Definition at UCSB
The UCSB Code of Conduct defines hazing as “any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them regardless of a person's willingness to participate.”
The essential elements of hazing are:
- It occurs when a student is joining or participating in a group.
- It degrades or humiliates the student or exposes them to danger of physical or emotional harm.
- Alternatively, it compels or encourages a student to break the law or violate UCSB policies.
- Hazing is not mitigated by the willingness of the student to participate.
Under this definition, hazing must cause or be likely to cause physical injury or “personal degradation or disgrace resulting in psychological harm.”
Behaviors Considered Hazing at UCSB
UCSB presents a long list of possible hazing behaviors on its Hazing Resources website, including:
- Singling out or assigning new members tasks or acts of servitude.
- Scavenger hunts if the items are demeaning, embarrassing, or illegal.
- Forced consumption of food or drink.
- Forcing inappropriate or embarrassing dress.
- Skits or public displays that embarrass new members.
- Controlling behaviors or useless tasks, such as forcing new members to always carry items.
- Depriving new members of sleep.
- Referring to new members as “pledges” or “newbies.”
This list includes innocuous or low-level behaviors, such as referring to an initiate as a “pledge.” For this reason, it is astoundingly easy to violate UCSB's hazing policy.
Possible Disciplinary Outcomes at UCSB
The following are possible disciplinary outcomes for students accused of hazing at UCSB:
- Warning/Censure
- Disciplinary Probation.
- Suspension.
- Dismissal. For more information, see Fighting Dismissal from UCSB.
Hazing accusations can have a devastating effect on your college career. Charges may lead to losing membership in some degree programs or suspension or probation. Anyone facing hazing charges should call the Lento Law Firm as early in the process as possible.
Restorative Justice Process.
The Office of Student Conduct may allow some cases to follow a Restorative Justice track, but the student has a right to decline. The Office of Student Conduct will only approve a Restorative Justice Conference where the student has admitted to the violation. If this Conference fails to end in an agreement, the university may stop and put the case on a normal adjudication process.
Defending Hazing Charges at UCSB
If a student is charged with hazing at UCSB, the process will proceed as follows:
Review of Charges
The University will conduct an investigation, which involves interviewing the person making the charge, witnesses, and the person accused of hazing. Before being interviewed, an individual accused of hazing should consult the experienced attorneys at the Lento Law Firm.
- Notice of Charges
UCSB will provide notice of the charges of hazing, including a statement of facts and the time and place of the hearing. At this point, UCSB will also inform the student of their rights to documents and witnesses and their due process rights.
Hearing
The hearing will either be before members of the Student-Faculty Committee or a hearing officer. Hearing procedures at UCSB include:
- The student may have an attorney present.
- The hearing will be closed to the public.
- Accused students have a right to present documents, videos, electronic evidence, and witnesses.
- UCSB will attempt to limit cross-examination of witnesses to a procedure that involves submitting questions to the chair. For this reason, students accused of serious wrongdoing should consult with counsel and have a plan and an understanding before the hearing.
The hearing body will meet in a closed session following the presentation of evidence and decide on the matter based on the preponderance of the evidence standard.
Findings and Recommendations
The hearing body will submit findings and recommendations to the Office of Student Conduct Director or Vice-Chancellor within five working days. The Director of the Office of Student Conduct will decide on sanctions if they are less than suspension, dismissal, or other sanctions that affect the student's contract status. The Vice-Chancellor makes more serious decisions on sanctions.
- Appeals
If the decision is unfavorable, a student may appeal within ten working days of the date of the sanction notice. For more information on appeals, please visit UCSB Appeals. The Lento Law Firm represents students at the appeal phase when they begin representation, but it is best to call as soon as possible for the best outcome.
How the Lento Law Firm Can Help
Call the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team today if you face hazing allegations at UCSB. Hazing allegations can end your college career or result in other lifelong problems and issues. You have worked too hard to let allegations of this type destroy your college experience. The Lento Law Firm has represented countless students accused of misconduct, and we can represent you. An experienced hazing defense attorney is an investment in your future. Call the Lento Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 or leave your details online, and we will contact you.
