In August, several fraternities disaffiliated from the University of Southern California (USC) because they felt they were being treated unfairly. Last year, USC suspended all activities for campus organizations for much of the 2021-2022 academic year after multiple allegations of drugging and sexual assault were made against a few members of the Sigma Nu fraternity.

Fraternities get a lot of negative press, especially recently with the advent of social media and living our lives primarily online. With that comes increased punishments and potentially expulsions from the school. So, it's no wonder so many fraternities are attempting to disaffiliate from their universities.

Disaffiliated Fraternities Have Less University Protection

While disaffiliation sounds like a great idea – less university involvement and more fraternal control – it also comes with several downsides, including losing access to your university funding, facilities, housing, communications, and advisement. Additionally, disaffiliated fraternities lose out on the chance to partake in university trainings and group accountability seminars that help them navigate accusations of sexual misconduct or Title IX violations. Without those trainings, fraternity members are not only more likely to be at a loss for how to navigate situations that could give rise to these accusations but also how to proceed once the allegations are made.

Why Fraternities Choose to Disaffiliate

Disaffiliation is a big deal for fraternities as it means giving up the right to use the university logo, impedes their ability to get personal and professional leadership opportunities, and inhibits them from participating in campus wide activities. And this isn't just happening at USC. Since 2018, 18 other fraternities have disaffiliated from three other institutions in the country.

The hope is that with less oversight and more control, the disaffiliated fraternities will be able to operate their organizations as they see fit. It also would give them the ability to punish individuals for all kinds of misconduct, including hazing and sexual assault, according to their own rules and regulations, without having to involve the university.

How an Experienced Attorney-Advisor Can Help

Disaffiliated fraternities can feel like a godsend. You get to have parties when you want, rushing is done on your own terms, and there are no hoops to jump through for any of it. But what happens when you are accused of a code of conduct violation, like sexual misconduct, academic misconduct, or other disciplinary issues? Who can you turn to? Is the university on your side, or are you forced to defend yourself on your own?

Attorney Joseph D. Lento and Lento Law Firm have spent years helping students across the country who are dealing with similar issues. They understand the importance of a strong defense and will work tirelessly to ensure your due process rights are protected. Universities must offer their students the chance to defend themselves. As such, they provide hearings for the student, complainant, and administration to meet before they decide on an appropriate sanction.

Remember: just because you are in a disaffiliated fraternity doesn't mean you should be subject to unfounded accusations. It also doesn't mean you should miss out on how to adequately navigate such allegations. You have rights, Lento Law Firm can help. Call 888-535-3686 today or schedule an appointment online.