Colleges and universities manage hazing accusations swiftly and harshly, and the University of Connecticut (UConn) is no different. Campus authorities can levy emergency suspensions and carry out intrusive investigations into students' lives. Unfortunately, academics don't pause because of grievance procedures, and students can quickly fall behind on graduation goals.
Because even false or unsubstantiated hazing accusations can endanger a student's education and future, those accused must retain professional help. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team is ready to be your trusted ally in building a winning strategy and advocating for fair and impartial procedures. We will exhaust all means of redress and leverage our experience to ensure students can remain enrolled and aligned with their academic goals. Call us at 888-535-3686 now or visit our confidential consultation form.
How Does UConn Define Hazing?
The UConn Code of Conduct is the governing foundation of the university and all sponsored activities. The school's code defines hazing as any "activity without reasonable or legitimate educational value expected of someone" that "humiliates, degrades or risks emotional, psychological, or physical harm" when used for initiation, admission into, or as a condition membership in a group or organization.
Connecticut state law also prohibits hazing activities. The statute asserts that hazing acts include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Forced indecent exposure of the body
- Subjection to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation or extended isolation from social contact
- Confinement to unreasonably small, unventilated, unsanitary, or unlighted areas
- Physical assaults of any form
- Forced ingestion of any substance or any other physical activity that adversely affects someone's health or safety
Hazing doesn't incorporate college-sponsored activities, such as athletic practices, competitions, or academic pursuits. Under state law and UConn regulations, the implied or express consent of hazing is not a defense. Moreover, indifference or compliance in the presence of hazing are not neutral acts. Both are violations of UConn's hazing policy. UConn faculty, staff, and other "responsible employees" with information are required to report hazing allegations immediately.
Administrative Conferences and Investigations
The Director of Community Standards (DCS) determines if a hazing complaint alleges a violation of the code of conduct. After, DCS will notify the accused (respondent) of the allegations and schedule an administrative conference.
The conference brings together the accuser (complainant), respondent, and a Student Conduct Officer to discuss the incident, explain the grievance process, and review options for resolving the matter. Throughout the officer's investigation, the complainant and respondent may provide information in person or submit a written account of the incident. School authorities will obtain supporting documentation from witnesses and other recovered evidence.
Upon completion, the Student Conduct Officer—applying a preponderance of the evidence standard—concludes whether a violation occurred. The officer sends the findings and a recommendation of sanctions to the parties to determine whether the case may be resolved by an administrative agreement or an administrative hearing.
Administrative agreements work as informal resolutions where the respondent agrees to accept responsibility. The school renders appropriate sanctions, but the right to appeal is waived. An administrative hearing allows the respondent to defend themselves in front of a group of adjudicators with additional due process rights. For instance, both students may have an advisor assist them throughout the process, not representing them but providing professional guidance.
Administrative Hearing Process
UConn normally conducts administrative hearings within fifteen business days of an investigation report being submitted to DCS. The respondent and complainant each have the right to:
- Have a reasonable period to prepare for the hearing
- Request a delay due to extenuating circumstances
- Be notified of the proposed information to be presented, including the identity of witnesses
- Be accompanied by an advisor or "support person" during the hearing
- Respond to statements and other information presented at the hearing
- Present a personal or community impact statement to the hearing body
The respondent, complainant, Student Conduct Officer, and any witnesses will provide information to and answer questions from the hearing body. Questions of whether potential information will be received shall be resolved at the discretion of the hearing body. Critically, information presented by a student during a hearing that indicates a possible violation may be investigated at a future time.
During the hearing, officials review the final investigation report to determine whether the investigation was conducted fairly. Nevertheless, the hearing body may accept or reject the investigating officer's findings in whole or part. They apply a preponderance of the evidence standard for the recommended findings regarding the allegations.
UConn Hazing Sanctions
When respondents are found responsible for the allegations, the hearing body will advise them of discipline in writing. Officials will review the student's disciplinary history, hear impact statements from the respondent and complainant, and investigate the Student Conduct Officer to impose the appropriate sanctions.
Although it's not an exhaustive list, UConn can levy the following punishments for hazing:
- Warning: informs students that further inconsistencies in behavior or conduct could lead to disciplinary action.
- Probation: a period when the student is subject to conditions for remaining enrolled.
- Suspension: a temporary ban from the university and required to reapply for readmission.
- Expulsion: a permanent ban from UConn, including being trespassed from all university activities, academic or otherwise.
Since hazing typically involves student groups, the hearing body can also sanction organizations. UConn may ban the group's activity on campus for one or more semesters and ban them from acting in any official or unofficial capacity.
UConn Students Need the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team
Being accused of hazing can significantly disrupt student life and threaten future endeavors. When UConn students build their defense, they need an experienced team of professionals to mitigate severe consequences. Fortunately, the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team stands prepared to serve as a trusted advisor during proceedings.
The Lento Law Firm will ensure that UConn students have their rights protected throughout the university grievance process. We coach students on how to respond to school disciplinary officials and will exhaust all avenues of redress against hazing accusations. Call the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team at 888-535-3686 now or visit our confidential online consultation form, and we will contact you.
