Northwestern University's recent hazing scandal, where allegations of widespread hazing within the football program led to the firing of the head coach, Pat Fitzgerald, underscores the importance of always having the proper legal counsel when dealing with school administrators. At Northwestern, an independent review found that the athletic department lacked clear guidelines for handling misconduct, leading to the perception that concerns were not properly addressed.

If you or a loved one are facing sanctions due to a lack of guidelines, the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can help you defend yourself and ensure you aren't treated unfairly. Call 888-535-3686 or contact the Lento Law Firm by filling out the form online.

Educational Institutions Require Proper Standards of Conduct

The Northwestern University scandal serves as a reminder of the dangerous landscape facing students today. This is particularly true in the high-pressure environment of college athletics, but it applies in every educational institution, whether athletics are involved or not.

Educational institutions require codes and standards of conduct that regulate every possible type of behavior, and when those standards are not present, students cannot be expected to adhere to codes of conduct they were not informed of and never agreed to follow. This doesn't mean there isn't a common-sense baseline to how students should behave, but if institutions mean to punish students for behavior that takes place inside their institution, then a code of conduct must exist to be enforced.

Accusations should, of course, always be taken seriously, but the problem is that without clear and consistent guidelines for what constitutes misconduct and how to handle such misconduct, students are often left to interpret both things on their own – and are left to their own devices when grey areas are found. A system without standardized guidance on hazing, for example, is a system that has failed to protect students and one that will often result in harsh and disproportionate punishments that will typically fall on the students who are unable to defend themselves.

The lack of proper guidelines also leaves students to navigate a complex and intimidating process on their own and to do so when the stakes are incredibly high because hazing, in this case, can jeopardize a student's academic career or athletic scholarship or even result in a criminal charge.

The Lento Law Firm Can Help

Even unfounded allegations can have devastating consequences on a student's future. It's not just hazing; any type of unfounded allegation against a school without proper guidelines can be very hard to dispute. But you don't have to face these allegations alone or try to understand what the school is claiming you did by yourself.

If you are being accused of hazing or anything else and are having to defend yourself against a school with no proper guidelines against misconduct, the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can be by your side. We understand the impact these allegations can have on your future, and we are ready to be your voice and fight to make sure you receive a fair and unbiased outcome. Call 888-535-3686 to tell us about your issue, or fill out a form, and we will call you to schedule a consultation.