Being a member of an Ohio college or university fraternity or sorority, sports team, and other social groups instills a sense of pride in being part of a rich tradition. It's possible that a parent was previously involved in the same organization, further enhancing your connection. Membership in such groups provides a feeling of achievement and recognition, which can positively impact your resume.
However, when initiation practices veer into the realm of "hazing," the situation changes significantly. Ohio schools have broad authority to issue disciplinary action and a low burden of proof to find you guilty. Failing to safeguard yourself can result in a hazing allegation, damaging your standing, stalling your educational advancement, and limiting your prospects for future employment.
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team is highly experienced in assisting fraternity and sorority members at Ohio universities who are contesting hazing accusations. Our goal is to resolve your case with the most favorable outcome while protecting your rights. Call our reliable team today at 888-535-3686 or fill out a contact form so we can learn more about your case.
What is Hazing?
Hazing is defined as any deliberate action or circumstance designed to inflict physical, psychological, or emotional distress on individuals as a condition for joining or being accepted into a group or organization. This practice frequently involves coercive elements and can encompass a range of activities, from innocuous pranks to severe, hazardous, or humiliating actions. Hazing not only breaches institutional regulations but may also be classified as criminal conduct, posing serious threats to the safety and dignity of those who endure it.
Most colleges and universities have policies addressing hazing within their Student Codes of Conduct. Although definitions may vary slightly from one institution to another, many institutions generally characterize hazing as any action or situation intentionally created to induce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule.
Specific examples include the following:
- Physical Endurance Tests: Pushing individuals to partake in physically demanding tasks that exceed their capabilities, like intense exercise or swimming in dangerous conditions.
- Deprivation: Exposing individuals to sleep deprivation, food withholding, or extreme weather conditions without adequate protection.
- Consumption Challenges: Pressuring individuals to consume excessive amounts of alcohol, food, or other substances that could result in physical harm.
- Physical Abuse: Inflicting physical harm or injury through actions like whipping, paddling, kicking, hitting, branding, or other violent behaviors.
- Isolation: Mandating periods of isolation from peers or enforcing prolonged periods of silence.
- Humiliation Rituals: Requiring individuals to engage in activities meant to degrade or embarrass them, whether in public or private settings.
- Clothing and Appearance: Demanding that individuals wear embarrassing or uncomfortable attire for extended periods or subjecting them to unwanted haircuts or body modifications.
- Servitude: Expecting individuals to perform personal tasks for senior members, such as running errands, cleaning, or carrying out demeaning duties.
- Mock Kidnapping: Organizing simulated abductions that can cause confusion, fear, and potential harm.
- Sexualized Rituals: Imposing activities with sexual connotations, like stripping or sexual simulations, which violate personal boundaries and consent. In extreme cases, these rituals may involve forced sexual acts.
- Mental and Emotional Stress: Engaging in psychological games, threats, or intimidation tactics to induce stress, fear, or emotional distress.
- Dangerous Stunts: Encouraging or coercing participation in risky activities without proper safety precautions, such as jumping from heights or engaging in dangerous physical challenges.
The Dangers of Hazing
Each year, college students face the risk of harm or death due to hazing incidents. These activities often include violence, heavy drinking, and humiliation, which students must go through to be accepted into a popular campus group. Sleep deprivation, nudity, and sexual acts are sometimes part of these rituals. While fraternities and sororities are most commonly associated with college hazing, other organizations like sports teams and marching bands also participate in such activities.
Ohio Laws on Hazing
Ohio is among 44 states that have legislation prohibiting hazing. The Ohio Anti-Hazing Act, known as Collin's Law, was implemented on October 7, 2021, upon Governor Mike DeWine's signature. This law classifies hazing as a second-degree misdemeanor, while hazing acts involving forced consumption of alcohol or drugs or abuse leading to severe physical harm are considered third-degree felonies. Collin's Law mandates reporting to law enforcement and providing prevention education and training by the university.
Elizabeth Allan, a professor at the University of Maine who heads StopHazing, a research organization dedicated to hazing and hazing prevention, stated that in the most severe cases, students have lost their lives due to hazing. In fact, Collin's Law is named after Collin Wiant, who tragically passed away on Nov. 12, 2018, due to asphyxiation after inhaling nitrous oxide from a canister.
While hazing has been a persistent issue in universities nationwide for many years, his grievous death intensified efforts to eradicate this harmful practice in Ohio — and across the country. Within the realm of higher education, hazing contradicts educational objectives by potentially causing harm to students and fostering a culture of abuse on campus, leading to adverse publicity and student dropout rates.
How Universities Punish Hazing
According to research conducted by Hank Nuwer, a professor emeritus at Franklin College in Indiana and author of "Hazing: Destroying Young Lives," at least one hazing-related death in a U.S. school, club, or organization was documented each year from 1959 to 2021.
This alarming reality, in conjunction with the fact that hazing was declared illegal under Collin's Law, has led Ohio colleges to take hazing incidents seriously — and issue disciplinary action accordingly.
Examples of Hazing Prevention at Ohio Universities
- The University of Akron strictly prohibits hazing as outlined in Ohio Revised Code 2903.31 and the University Code of Student Conduct. Any reports of hazing will be thoroughly investigated and addressed by the University.
- In alignment with its dedication to fostering a secure and healthy campus atmosphere, all individuals within the university community are entitled to be free from any and all forms of hazing. The university maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding hazing in any capacity.
- Ohio University has established a policy that strictly prohibits hazing. Every member of its community is required to report and respond to any information related to hazing. All claims of hazing will be thoroughly investigated, and any organization or individuals found culpable may face disciplinary measures, which could include expulsion from the University.
Many Ohio institutions also mandate hazing prevention training for students, employees, staff, and community advisors to ensure reporting requirements are widely known.
The Disciplinary Process
Each educational institution sets forth its own procedures for investigating and handling claims of misconduct, including hazing. While specific protocols may vary, the general process tends to follow a consistent framework across most campuses. If you are a member of a fraternity or sorority facing allegations of involvement in hazing, your situation will likely progress through a series of stages resembling the ones outlined below.
Complaint
The disciplinary process in colleges and universities typically begins with the filing of a complaint against the individual in question. This complaint can come from various sources, including alleged victims or other students, faculty members, school employees, or any other party with knowledge of the incident in question.
Notification
Upon receipt and verification of the complaint, the school will issue a formal written notification regarding the complaint and the disciplinary process to be followed. This document should outline the accusations against you and the necessary steps to prepare a defense.
Investigation
Subsequently, the school will proceed with a thorough investigation into the allegations. This phase involves gathering evidence and may include interviewing witnesses to support the complaint. You may also be asked to present your side of the story in an informal meeting.
Formal Adjudication
If the school authorities believe they possess sufficient evidence to substantiate the accusations of hazing, they will typically organize a formal adjudication through the disciplinary board or committee established for this specific purpose.
During the adjudication, you will be given the chance to present evidence and arguments in defense against the accusations and demonstrate why you should not be subjected to disciplinary measures.
Decision and Sanctions
After the adjudication, the disciplinary board or committee is responsible for making a decision on whether your actions have breached the school's Code of Conduct. If they determine that a violation has occurred, they will decide on the appropriate sanctions and inform you of their ruling.
Appeal Procedure
If you receive an unfavorable ruling, you have the right to appeal before the decision is finalized. Most schools provide a brief period in which you can file an appeal, during which they will reassess the decision according to the established appeal procedures.
Why You Need a Student Defense Attorney
As a college or university student accused of hazing, your academic prospects and personal standing could be in serious jeopardy. The repercussions of disciplinary measures taken by the school can be harsh and long-lasting. Seeking guidance from a knowledgeable education lawyer is crucial in order to enhance your likelihood of coming out of these accusations with your academic future unscathed.
Unlike local criminal lawyers, we understand the complexities involved in navigating processes mandated by Ohio universities. What's more, the school's disciplinary action is based on the preponderance of the evidence standard, meaning that school authorities only need to be convinced that it is more likely than not (i.e., at least 50 percent) that you committed the hazing.
This standard is significantly lower than that of criminal proceedings, so even if the evidence against you is not overwhelming, it may still be enough for the school to find you responsible — and impose penalties. The truth is that if you're accused of hazing, you are much more likely to be expelled from school than to face criminal charges.
Defense Strategy Against Hazing Allegations
The Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm has a long history of defending students who are facing disciplinary actions at colleges and universities in Ohio — and across the country.
Our team will:
- Analyze the Code of Conduct and school regulations to determine if the alleged actions constitute hazing
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the accusations against you to identify the most effective course of action
- Collect testimonies and evidence to support your case
- Offer guidance on how to handle questioning or interviews conducted by school officials
- Engage in direct negotiations with the school to seek a favorable resolution
- Provide an additional level of oversight to ensure that the school adheres to its own policies and relevant laws in order to safeguard your rights to due process.
With our expertise and experience, we can assist you in developing a strong defense strategy during these challenging times.
How the Lento Law Firm Family Law Team Can Protect Your Rights
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team has a wealth of experience in defending students accused of hazing and other misconduct across the country. We are aware of the potential consequences for your academic future and understand the disciplinary procedures.
With our expertise, we can offer valuable guidance and negotiation skills to minimize the impact of these allegations. It's crucial not to face these accusations alone and risk your academic future. To arrange a consultation, please contact us at 888-535-3686 or complete our online form. Contact our Student Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or fill out a contact form.
