If a student, at any level, brings a complaint of sexual assault, or other sex violation against another person, the school will be required to conduct an investigation. Depending on the outcome, they may even engage in the hearing process. These hearings are complex and involve investigators and witnesses. Sometimes, a panel composed of students and alumni is also involved to determine whether or not a violation has occurred. You should have an attorney to ensure that you receive due process, and have the chance to present evidence to defend yourself.
Our Title IX lawyer Urbana Champaign has experience in representing college students accused of sexual offenses, such as harassment and sexual assault. They can inform you of your rights, and help protect future educational opportunities. They will work to make sure that the school’s investigation and hearing process is in compliance with Title IX guidelines and federal law.
A Title IX Lawyer can also act in a liaison role between you and investigators, ensuring that your statements don’t go to the wrong person. They can also provide you with advice during the interview process and can explain your right to remain silent. They can also tell you whether it’s best to discuss the case or ask for witnesses with others.
A Title IX attorney can also help you appeal the decision of the proceedings if you feel that the process was not properly conducted. They can be very effective in helping to obtain course final grade changes, tuition refunds and monetary awards, and suspension or expulsion of perpetrators of sexual violence at schools, universities, and fraternities/sororities as well as in pursuing policy changes to combat sexual assault and harassment.
Title IX is a federal statute that guarantees equal educational opportunities for all persons in programs and activities that receive federal funds. It is based upon Title VI of Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 2000d, et seq. ), which prohibits the discrimination based upon race, color, and nationality.
Schools are free to develop their own Title IX investigations and disciplinary processes, but the laws set out clear guidelines for their fairness. These include requiring a fair, open investigation with both parties present, limiting the number involved in an hearing, and ensuring that all decisions are made by people without any apparent bias or conflict of interest.
Duffy Law defends university and college students accused of Title IX violations. These allegations range from simple harassment to rape. We know the ins-and-outs of Title IX and its protections for accused students, as well as the complex disciplinary processes that most schools use. It is important to have a Title IX attorney by your side during an investigation or hearing when even the smallest mistake can have devastating consequences.
Comments are closed.