The University of Oklahoma (OH) is the flagship institution for research in the state. School officials are responsible for tens of thousands of students, staff, and faculty members on its sprawling Norman campus, and they are tasked with maintaining the safety and security of its community members. Therefore, when hazing allegations arise, OH takes a swift approach to investigate claims and levy punishment.
When OU students are suspected of hazing, the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team stands ready to begin a strategy for redress for you. We will leverage our extensive experience in student defense matters to ensure you stay enrolled and aligned with your graduation goals. To start your defense, call us at 888-535-3686 now or fill out our confidential consultation form.
How Does OU Define Hazing?
Hazing activities are prohibited by university policy and state law. OU asserts that any obligation imposed upon prospective, new, or current members unrelated to the organization's purpose is forbidden.
As outlined in OU's Students Rights and Responsibilities Code, the following activities are considered hazing:
- Acts that "recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally" threaten mental or physical health or safety for initiation, participation, or affiliation with a group
- Physical harm such as branding, whipping, paddling, electrical shocks, forced calisthenics, placing harmful substances on the body, exposure to extreme conditions, sleep deprivation, and forced consumption of food, liquor, drugs, or other substances
- Degrading behavior that causes ridicule, humiliation, embarrassment, or adversely affects a person's dignity
- Interfering with someone's ability to participate in or benefit from the services or activities of the university, their employment, or religious observances
- The destruction, misuse, or removal of another's property
Critically, consent is not a defense for hazing accusations. Students suspected of involvement—even those who were either supporting or complicit in the hazing—are subject to investigation.
OU staff members have reporting obligations to file claims immediately with the Office of Student Conduct (OSC). All group, organization, and chapter leaders (student or otherwise) are also mandatory reporters. Therefore, if they don't file claims with the OSC promptly, they also risk discipline.
Informal Resolutions
The Director of OSC reviews the allegations and determines whether to initiate disciplinary proceedings, then notifies the accused student (respondent) of an opportunity to be heard. The notice includes:
- Description of the alleged misconduct
- Citation to the university rules allegedly violated
- A brief explanation of the student conduct process
- Request to schedule an administrative review meeting within five days
The notice could contain a non-disciplinary no-contact order during matters that may involve abuse of any form, such as in some hazing incidents. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action.
The administrative review meeting allows the student to respond to the hazing allegations. During the meeting, students may be accompanied by an advisor (who may be an attorney) but who only acts in a consultative capacity and does not provide full representation. A Student Conduct Officer (SCO) will consider the student's response to the allegations and any additional information provided.
At the meeting or shortly after, the SCO will:
- Determine not to proceed with charges
- Negotiate a resolution, disciplinary or otherwise
- Proceed with charges against the student
- Prepare a modified notice based on the student's response and proceed with charges against the student
Upon continuing with charges, the SCO will recommend disciplinary sanctions. If the respondent denies having engaged in the alleged hazing activities or believes that the sanctions are excessive, the student may request a hearing within two days.
Investigations and Hearings
The SCO is not obliged to investigate the hazing incident fully prior to the administrative review meeting. Nevertheless, before the respondent attends a formal hearing, the SCO will conduct a more extensive inquiry, especially when sanctions may include a separation from the university. In light of additional or unique facts and circumstances of the case, the SCO modifies the student notice file with OSC and the hearing panel.
The hearing panel chair opens proceedings, and the SCO gives an opening statement informing the members about the facts of the case. Respondents then explain their position to the Hearing Panel, which may include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Whether they deny engaging in the alleged hazing incident
- Whether the incident or conduct is prohibited under the university's hazing policy
- The SCO's recommended sanctions are not appropriate for the violation
After opening statements, the Hearing Panel provides the SCO and the respondent an opportunity to present their respective positions. They may show documented evidence or call the testimony of witnesses. Each party may also cross-examine witnesses presented by the other, and the panel may directly question individuals at any time during the hearing.
Parties may give a closing statement summarizing the evidence and restating why the Hearing Panel should be persuaded. The chair then dismisses the parties, and the panel deliberates privately, determining by a majority vote whether, by a preponderance of the evidence, the respondent has engaged in hazing activities.
Sanctions and Appeals
Considering aggravating or mitigating evidence, as well as the respondent's previous disciplinary history, the Hearing Panel renders sanctions. Within five days, students receive a notice, which includes punishments imposed, as well as the opportunity to appeal. Discipline at OU is wide-ranging, but the following are at the panel's disposal.
- Verbal and written warnings
- Disciplinary probations with educational sanctions and restitution
- Housing reassignment or termination
- Administrative trespassing
- Restriction or denial of university services
- Suspension or expulsion
Students may appeal the panel's findings or sanctions within five days of receiving the notice. OSC and the University Vice President for Student Affairs (UVPSA) review the request. The UVPSA has the authority to:
- Affirm the initial decision
- Find that improper procedures were used and refer the case back to the panel
- Reduce or increase sanctions
- Find that parties have presented new information integral to the outcome and refer the case back to the panel
The UVPSA communicates its decision within five days. After, the matter is considered final and closed.
The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team for OU Hazing Accusations
Hazing allegations from OU can bring an academic career to a grinding halt. With the potential for suspension or expulsion that can harm professional post-graduate goals, students need an experienced team of professionals to mitigate severe consequences.
The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team stands prepared to build a strategic defense for students managing hazing claims. We leverage our extensive work defending university students nationwide to ensure their right to fair and impartial hearings remains uncompromised. Call the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team at 888-535-3686 now or fill out our confidential consultation form, and we will contact you.
