La Jolla, CA asked in Education Law and Constitutional Law for California

Q: Can a university legally intimidate students to admit guilt and forgo their due process in AI violation cases?

I am currently undergoing through an academic integrity violation allegation at a public university. I have been accused of collaborating extensively on coding assignments with a person in my class, although this never occurred. My school allows us to fight the case in front of a board of professors and students. During my meeting with the Dean today, he told me "it would be easier for me to admit guilt even though I was not guilty" and that "I would have to wait months and months for a hearing to even occur, preventing me from moving on." He said that students often just admit guilty so they don't have to wait and suffer. Maybe my question has no basis, but is this legal? Can they make it so hard and long and difficult to get our right of due process that students often have no choice but to admit guilt?

1 Lawyer Answer
Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
Answered
  • Education Law Lawyer
  • New York, NY
  • Licensed in California

A: I strongly recommend you speak with an attorney about the matter before any further interactions with the school. You have a right to defend yourself - don't let them strip you of that right.

See: http://www.aeesq.com/education-lawyer/education-law/

More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/ publications on my law practice website, www.AEesq.com. I practice law in CA, NY, MA, and DC in the following areas of law: Business & Contracts, Criminal Defense, Divorce & Child Custody, and Education Law. This answer does not constitute legal advice; make any predictions, guarantees, or warranties; or create any Attorney-Client relationship.

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