Federal gender-equity law Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender in the majority of Connecticut educational institutions. Its implementation and enforcement within state colleges and universities have been relatively controversial. Overall, the law intends to ensure that all students have equal access to education regardless of sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity. It also forbids several gender-based discriminatory acts, like sexual harassment, and sexual assault. Under Title IX, any complaint detailing pervasive misconduct should be met with immediate action.
When a school receives notification of alleged sexual misconduct, all the parties involved will undergo a Title IX resolution process. This process is conducted to determine whether there was a violation of policy. Several meetings, an investigation, and a hearing will be regulated to dictate whether a respondent is “responsible” or not responsible for the alleged misconduct. When a Title IX proceeding results in a responsible finding, the accused has the right to appeal a school's decision.
Your Right to Appeal
Student respondents who are dissatisfied with their case outcome, or feel as if the decision was unfair or unfounded have the option of appealing. An appeal is a written request for a school to reconsider its decision. The appeals process has been implemented in educational institutions to keep school authorities accountable for the decisions they make. Oftentimes, schools recommend sanctions that can significantly impair the academic and professional careers of students. If the right decision isn't made in these circumstances, it should be corrected. Hence, why it's important to take advantage of the right to appeal.
Questions about your school's appellate process and the course of action that should be attempted in your unique situation should be discussed with a student defense attorney. A legal professional can help you write an appeal that's compelling and effective.
Grounds for an Appeal
The grounds for a Title IX appeal, although determined by the specific policies of the applicable college or university, will generally be limited to the following:
- Procedural error: a significant mistake was made at some point during the Title IX process, and it influenced the outcome of a determination and/or sanction.
- New evidence available: evidence that could have substantially influenced a case outcome is now available.
- Disproportionate sanction: the sanction was unduly disproportionate to the severity of the violation.
- A violation of due process rights: an institution robbed a student of their entitled rights under Title IX and school policy.
Most school appeal processes have strict submission deadlines that must be followed. See your student handbook to identify these deadlines and act accordingly. In the event that an appeal is not submitted in a timely manner or is substantively ineligible, the original determination and sanction will stand.
Connecticut Title IX Appeal Advisor
If you're a Connecticut student facing serious consequences due to an alleged Title IX violation, you should talk to a student defense attorney. An appeal is one of the last opportunities for you to salvage your reputation, preserve your academic record, and get out of this situation unscathed. Skilled attorney Joseph D. Lento has the experience, skill, and expertise to help you successfully appeal your Title IX outcome. Contact him online or give him a call at 888-535-3686 for his help.
State Universities:
- Eastern Connecticut State University
- Central Connecticut State University
- Southern Connecticut State University
- Western Connecticut State University
- University of Connecticut
State-Run Colleges:
- Asnuntuck Community College
- Capital Community College
- Charter Oak State College
- Gateway Community College
- Housatonic Community College
- Manchester Community College
- Middlesex Community College
- Naugatuck Valley Community College
- Northwestern Connecticut Community College
- Norwalk Community College
- Quinebaug Valley Community College
- Three Rivers Community College
- Tunxis Community College
Federal-Level Military Academy
- United States Coast Guard Academy – (exempt from Title IX and the Clery Act)
Private Colleges and Universities
- Albertus Magnus College
- Connecticut College
- Fairfield University
- Goodwin College
- Hartford Seminary
- Holy Apostles College and Seminary
- Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts
- Mitchell College
- New England Baptist College
- University of New Haven
- Paier College of Art
- Quinnipiac University
- Rensselaer at Hartford
- Sacred Heart University
- St. Vincent's College
- Trinity College
- University of Bridgeport
- University of Hartford
- University of Saint Joseph
- Wesleyan University
- Yale University
For-Profit Colleges
- Lincoln College of New England (formerly Briarwood College)
- Lincoln Technical Institute
- Post University
A Title IX finding of responsibility can change an accused student's life if not properly addressed and appealed, and Joseph D. Lento has a decade of experience passionately fighting for the futures of his clients at universities and colleges throughout the nation. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. Joseph Lento is a licensed attorney in New Jersey and New York, is admitted as an attorney pro hac vice in state and federal court if needed when representing clients nationwide, and serves as a Title IX advisor and educational consultant to students facing disciplinary cases in Connecticut and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
