WSU Student Conduct/Discipline Hearings

When you’ve been accused of committing a violation of community standards at Washington State University, it can be incredibly frightening and overwhelming. Even if you are only facing a student disciplinary hearing without criminal charges, a negative outcome can threaten your entire academic career — and your future livelihood.

No matter if you’ve been accused of a serious Title IX violation or a more minor violation of community standards, you deserve to have the best possible representation during your Washington State University student discipline hearing. Here at Baumgarten Law Offices PLLC, our Pullman student defense attorney can help you fight back against an often unfair discipline system and provide the tenacious defense you need during these difficult times.

If you are being investigated by the Office for Equal Opportunity (OEO) or if you are facing a student discipline hearing, don’t delay! Contact us to book your consultation as soon as possible. 

What Are My Legal Rights at School?

Many American universities have a code of conduct that outlines what behaviors are allowed on campus. While these rules vary from school to school, most types of criminal activity–as well as certain educational infractions—are considered to be violations of a school’s conduct code. Once you are found responsible by a school disciplinary board, you could be suspended or even permanently expelled or dismissed from your college. This is also true at WSU, where any violations are met with extreme sanctions.

Although a hearing at the WSU Center for Community Standards may not carry over into the criminal justice system, some administrators still think of themselves as “judge, jury, and executioner” in these cases, damning students for a single alleged mistake or moment of poor judgment. Whether you’re facing a full conduct board hearing or an information hearing with a conduct officer, you have the right to legal counsel, and to a fair and robust defense against any accusations.

At Baumgarten Law Offices PLLC, we can help you defend against the following claims:

• Plagiarism
• Alcohol and drug possession
• Driving under the influence
• Title IX sexual harassment and stalking
• Cheating
• Physical abuse and assault
• Title IX discrimination
• Sexual misconduct
• Theft
• Trespassing
• Hazing
• Reckless endangerment

Understanding Title IX Violations

According to Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments, gender discrimination is prohibited at all educational institutions, provided that they are receiving federal financial aid. Because of this law, Washington State University and other college campuses are allowed to conduct their own Title IX hearings whenever a student has been accused of sexual assault, stalking, sexual harassment, or another form of gender-based discrimination.

Regardless of the defendant’s innocence or guilt, Title IX hearings are too often performed without due process. Campus administrators may be quick to make an example of the accused, and they may withhold your legal rights in an attempt to speed up proceedings. They may also presume your guilt without a thorough examination of the evidence.

Standing Up for WSU Students in Pullman

Everyone makes mistakes in college, but that moment shouldn’t define the rest of their lives. When you work with our defense team, we’ll apply years of legal experience to your case, and give you the sound and ethical advice you deserve. Devoted to our clients and to protecting the rights of WSU students, our attorneys will stand by your side during your disciplinary hearing and beyond.