For some college students, admission into organizations like fraternities and sororities is a top priority, often involving hazing as pledges undergo tests to avoid rejection. However, multiple incidents have led to a crackdown on campus hazing, with serious consequences for violations. At the University of San Francisco (USF), anti-hazing policies can impact a student's academic progression.
The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team is familiar with university anti-hazing policies and works to protect students accused of violating them. If you're facing disciplinary action due to a hazing incident, reach out to us at 888-535-3686 or complete our online form.
USF Anti-Hazing Definition
Once you've been admitted to USF, you're expected to follow the school's anti-hazing policy, which aligns with California state law. This policy applies whether an incident happens in one of the campus dorms, in the Greek Village, or at a private residence miles away.
The university uses California's definition of hazing, which is conduct that causes or could cause bodily harm, the risk of bodily harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in mental harm. For the purposes of hazing, that harm must come during the process of initiating or maintaining membership or holding office in an organization.
Penalties for Hazing at USF
USF's policy primarily focuses on criminal and civil penalties for hazing as listed under the California code. On the university side of things, though, the policy defers to the Student Conduct page. Violations of that code, including the school's anti-hazing policies, can include the following disciplinary action:
- Warning: This is a written reprimand that outlines the student's alleged misbehaviors and cautions that repeated violations will lead to further disciplinary action.
- Discretionary outcomes: Penalties that fall under this type of disciplinary action include assigned essays, community service, counseling services, expulsion from a residency hall, or deferred university expulsions or suspensions.
- Disciplinary probation: Students found to be in violation of anti-hazing policies may be put on probation, during which time access to university-sponsored programs and services may be limited.
- Fines: The university may impose fines for violations in addition to any criminal or civil penalties the student ends up paying.
- Loss of privileges: The school may revoke a student's access to privileges and/or extracurricular activities temporarily.
- Notifications: Instead of imposing restrictions, the university may reach out to the supervisors of the student's organizations. Those notifications could lead to the loss of privileges.
- Housing removals and probations: Students utilizing university housing may be relocated or banned from residence halls.
- University probation: For more serious hazing situations, the administration may impose probation of one year or more.
- University suspension: With this punishment, you're separated from USF temporarily but will eventually be allowed to return.
- University expulsion: This separation is permanent, prohibiting you from returning to the USF campus.
- Graduation penalties: Students who violate the school's code of conduct may be ineligible to graduate or may have their diplomas withheld or revoked.
Degrees of Hazing Infractions
Not all hazing infractions are treated equally by the USF administration. The degree of punishment is based on the seriousness of the violation. If the behavior is classified as a misdemeanor under the California Code, the penalties are likely to lean more toward a warning or probation. However, if the activity resulted in injury or death, it's likely to lean toward more serious penalties.
Drug- and alcohol-related infractions are also punished more severely than those that don't involve substance abuse. Since hazing activities often incorporate these elements, it's important to take a look at the school's alcohol, marijuana, and drug policies. At USF, possessing or using alcohol or marijuana can lead to fines and mandatory education for the first offense, with more severe consequences for subsequent offenses.
Investigation Process
USF takes violations of its code of conduct seriously, but before taking disciplinary action, the college follows a multistep investigation process that includes:
- Complaint: Investigations kick-off when the Director of Student Conduct receives a report or written complaint about a violation.
- Complaint Review: The Director of Student Conduct or a designee will review the complaint to determine whether it merits further action.
- Referral: If the Director of Student Conduct decides action is warranted, the matter is referred to the appropriate staff member for investigation.
- Interim actions: When necessary, school officials will impose restrictions on a student while the investigation is ongoing. These can include suspension or housing relocation, among other temporary measures.
- Notification of informational meeting: At the start of the investigation, you'll receive an invitation to attend an informational meeting.
- Informational meetings and informal resolutions: At this hearing, campus officials explain the allegations and give the student a chance to respond. During this hearing, the student may agree to an informal resolution.
- Conduct meetings: If an informal resolution can't be reached during the informational hearing, you'll progress to a more formal hearing.
- Notification of decision: Within five days of the conduct meeting, you'll receive an email notifying you of the decision with information on appealing.
- Appeals: Students have the right to appeal if the original process was faulty, they have new evidence to present, or if the penalties don't fit the alleged violation(s). To appeal, you'll need to submit the Student Conduct Appeal Request Form within five days of the date on the decision email.
How We Can Help
The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team has experience with university hazing accusations and the consequences they bring. From the initial investigation to the appeals process, we can help with the following:
- Legal guidance: From the first notification that an investigation is underway, you'll have questions. Our team can help you understand the allegations against you and walk you through what to expect.
- Written responses: When it's time to provide information in writing, our team can help craft those responses, whether it's a response to an email during the investigation or a request for an appeal.
- Hearing preparation: Hearings are your best chance to state your case and reduce any penalties or remove them altogether. We'll work with you to prepare statements and get your evidence together.
Hazing accusations can derail your academic career and harm your future options. If you're facing hazing allegations at the University of San Francisco, give our team a call at 888-535-3686 or complete our online form, and we'll be in touch.
