Hazing is typically associated with sororities and fraternities. While hazing may take place on college and university campuses, it also affects high school students. It's not uncommon for students to engage in what they believe to be harmless pranks, or rites of passage, as part of “initiating” new members into a group. However, these seemingly innocent initiations can ultimately lead to serious accusations, damage to a student's reputation, and even suspension or expulsion, depending on the circumstances.
The possible consequences of hazing allegations cannot be underestimated. If you – or your child – faces such accusations, then contact the Lento Law Firm. Our Student Defense Team understands what could be at stake and how critical it is to act swiftly.
To stand the best chance of mitigating the consequences of hazing accusations at an Indiana high school, don't delay in calling our attorneys on 888.535.3686 or reach us online to schedule a meeting.
What Is Hazing in Indiana?
Indiana state laws define hazing as forcing or requiring a person, as a condition of membership to a club or society, to do something that creates a risk of injury. Such activities are not sanctioned by the school but may take place on campus.
In other words, hazing means expecting a person to do something that could reasonably injure them just so they can join a high school club or organization. And it doesn't matter if the participant is willing or unwilling. The hazing law applies just the same, even if the participant is happy to take the risk.
Types of Hazing
Hazing can take many forms. It can be very subtle, or it can be more obvious. The most common types of hazing activities include:
- Forced ingestion of food or drink or products unfit for human consumption
- Forced ingestion of medicines (prescription or over-the-counter)
- Forced sleep deprivation
- Public ridicule
- Slapping, punching, or beating
- Excessive and forced physical activity
- Implied or real threats
More subtle types of hazing include:
- Shunning new members of the group just because they are new
- Forcing or requiring new members to run errands for other members
- Depriving new members of privileges simply due to their member status
As we can see, there are many types of activities, which may not all obviously involve an injury risk, which could be considered hazing. And given how seriously the state of IN takes any type of potential hazing activity, there's a real possibility that your child could face serious disciplinary action for even seemingly minor transgressions. This is why retaining the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team as soon as possible is recommended.
Indiana Hazing Laws
As mentioned, the definition of hazing is codified into IN state law. And while school districts and individual schools have some freedom in terms of how they address hazing, they are expected to take all accusations seriously. The main issues which may arise here are the fact that school disciplinary procedures do vary, and so it's challenging to understand what to expect if you do not have experience in handling such matters. There is also a chance that schools may be over-zealous in responding to hazing accusations to not risk their own reputations. This could mean that a student is disciplined – and even suspended or removed from class – without due process being followed.
Even a few days' worth of missed schooling could be detrimental to a child's academic or social progress. Where possible, our experienced attorneys will promptly move to negotiate with school officials to facilitate a student's return to the classroom sooner rather than later.
Hazing Investigations at Indiana High Schools
Every school approaches hazing investigations slightly differently. However, the typical steps in the disciplinary process are as follows.
- Interim Action: Depending on the severity of the alleged hazing, a school may immediately place the student under interim suspension (meaning, the suspension is only valid until matters can be investigated). This could happen if, for example, the alleged incident involves violence.
- Preliminary Investigations: Next, the school will conduct initial investigations. This may involve talking to students involved, checking social media, or asking school staff for their comments.
- Notification of Disciplinary Action: Prior to any significant disciplinary action, such as suspension or expulsion, students must be notified of the allegations and have a chance to respond. In schools such as Franklin High School, students, and their parents can expect written notification with the specific allegations clearly set out.
- Disciplinary Hearing: Students, their parents, and their representatives (such as attorneys) will attend a hearing with the Board. This is an opportunity to present a strong and compelling case.
- School Board Decision: Based on the preponderance of the evidence, the Board decides whether hazing occurred and how to discipline the student. “Preponderance of the evidence” is lower than criminal standards of proof and simply means that it's more likely than not, based on most of the evidence, that the incident occurred as described.
- Right of Appeal: Schools normally allow students to appeal certain decisions, such as expulsion. However, this is not guaranteed. Crown Point High School students, for example, have no right to appeal expulsion.
There is always the risk that schools will not follow their own disciplinary procedures properly or that students will be unfairly treated. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team will endeavor to ensure that this does not happen.
Sanctions for Hazing at an Indiana High School
Schools can determine appropriate punishments for students who commit hazing on campus or off campus at a school event or function. Common sanctions for hazing and similar activities are:
- School counseling: High schools, such as those in Mishawaka, may refer students to in-school counseling to discuss their behavior and explore the causes.
- Social probation: Students could lose the right to attend prom, dances, and other social activities or functions as punishment for the hazing activities.
- Sports tram probation: Students may be prohibited from attending sports clubs. Schools in the Lake Central School Corporation, for example, allow school staff members themselves, including the principal and even the head coach, to determine the punishment for sports-related hazing activities.
- Loss of privileges: Students may be prevented from partaking in club activities for a set period. Such punishments may even extend to students who merely witnessed the hazing activity and did not report it or act to stop it, which is the approach taken by the Indiana Academy.
- Suspension or expulsion: The most serious sanctions are, of course, suspension or expulsion. As hazing can be considered student misconduct or disobedience, Indiana state law gives schools the right to suspend or expel students who commit hazing acts.
- Restitution: In some cases, students may be required to pay civil damages to cover the cost of rehabilitation or medical bills associated with injuries.
The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team will work to have the allegations against your child dismissed or, where necessary, the punishment mitigated.
The Steep Consequences of Hazing Accusations
Hazing accusations have consequences that go far beyond the obvious implications of serious disciplinary action, such as suspension or expulsion.
- Students may find it challenging to transfer to another school or school district if they're investigated for hazing.
- A student loses out on precious social and emotional development if they can't join in with extra-curricular activities, particularly if a school club or organization is very important to them.
- Other students, staff, and even the local community could view them differently – there's often a stigma attached to accusations such as hazing or bullying.
- Losing out on class time can impact a student's learning progress.
- If the hazing accusations result in a permanent mark on the student's record, then they could find it challenging to apply to their college of choice or apply for certain college programs.
Hazing allegations can wreck a promising and otherwise well-behaved student's long-term prospects. It is critical that you deal with hazing accusations swiftly – which is why our Student Defense Team is only a phone call away.
Responding to Indiana High School Hazing Accusations
Should you or your child face hazing accusations at an Indiana High School, you must act swiftly and decisively to mitigate the long-term consequences. After you contact us to retain our attorneys, we recommend you take the following action.
- Have the school confirm, in writing, the accusations made and the date and time of any meetings you may attend to discuss matters. Keep a record of all emails or letters received.
- Gather evidence, including social media posts, emails, and texts, which could support your position.
- Be clear about exactly what happened from your or your child's perspective. The clearer your version of events, the easier it may be to communicate your side of the story to school officials effectively.
Our attorneys will help you present the most compelling arguments in your favor and explain the most likely options for moving forward based on the specifics of your case.
Do You Need an Attorney to Handle High School Hazing Allegations?
While you can, technically, handle school disciplinary matters yourself, this is ill-advised. Schools routinely discipline students for various reasons, and they have attorneys working within the school district whom they can turn to for guidance. If you do not have your own legal counsel, you are significantly disadvantaged.
What's more, an attorney knows how to build a strong case in a client's favor. They understand what evidence is most helpful and what is less so. They can use this knowledge and experience to craft a compelling defense against hazing accusations involving your child.
There is a great deal at risk for any student facing hazing allegations. Hiring an attorney gives the child, and their parents, the reassurance they deserve during such a stressful and uncertain time.
How the Lento Law Firm Can Help
Although it may be tempting to hire a local civil lawyer – or a local criminal lawyer, if there is the possibility of criminal charges – there are many reasons why you should contact us first.
- Knowledge: Our Student Defense Team has considerable knowledge of Indiana school disciplinary procedures. We will use this knowledge to your child's advantage.
- Strategy: We aim to take a nuanced, non-combative approach to handling high school disciplinary matters as this may prove the least disruptive to your child. However, should the situation call for it, we will vigorously defend your child's interests and even pursue litigation if required.
- Commitment: From the moment you contact the Lento Law Firm, we're on your side. Our attorneys are deeply committed to securing favorable outcomes for our clients. It's what drives us forward and our client-focused service is something we are deeply proud of.
- Experience: Our lawyers have significant experience representing high school students facing similar accusations. No situation is too complex for us to manage.
No matter what type of hazing allegations your child faces, don't endure them alone. Trust the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team to protect your child's interests and work towards the best possible outcome.
High School Hazing Attorneys Representing Students Nationwide
High school students and their families across the US trust the Lento Law Firm to represent them through even the most serious and complex hazing disciplinary actions. We routinely negotiate with school officials in Indiana and nearby states, and so we are acutely familiar with the nuances involved in handling such situations. Our goal is to conclude negotiations with school officials in a manner that provides a satisfactory outcome for all involved; however, we will robustly defend your child and take all steps necessary to ensure their legal rights are protected.
From New Albany to Angola, there is no place in Indiana too remote for our team to reach. Contact us now to arrange representation for any high school misconduct issue.
Retain the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team
Hazing accusations at an Indiana high school cannot be taken lightly. Your child's academic, professional, and even social future is at stake. Don't leave anything to chance. Instead, contact the Lento Law Firm for the advice and representation that your child deserves. We will listen to what happened, explain your options, and, most crucially, stand by your side throughout the entire disciplinary process. From handling negotiations with school officials to completing any related administrative steps, we will ensure that you can move forward with confidence.
Our Student Defense Team knows that every student deserves a second chance. And we are committed to protecting your child's right to reach their full academic and professional potential. Call the Lento Law Firm now at 888.535.3686 or contact us online to retain our attorneys.
