In order for schools to qualify for receiving federal education funds, they are responsible for the enforcement of several federal laws relating to discrimination. Title IX is one that prohibits types of sexual discrimination. At colleges and universities, these allegations often involve sexual harassment or assault. Schools gather and review evidence regarding the allegations, issue findings (decisions) and impose disciplinary sanctions when needed. Those accused often feel these investigations are conducted unfairly and lack transparency. The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) is a resource for those facing difficult penalties and sanctions in these actions. You have the right to file a complaint with the OCR to ask them to consider reinvestigating the matter as an independent (third-party). This process is typically done with help from an attorney. The Lento Law Firm has the experience necessary for success in these matters of student discipline defense.
Pending Title IX Investigation at Tulane University
The U.S. Department of Education is now reviewing some allegations of sexual discrimination at Tulane University in New Orleans. The OCR is looking into several of the school's established scholarships that include the Landor Lewis and Shirley Gauff Awards. The accusations cite “financial discrimination against male students”. Further details and a response from the University are expected later in the year.
Title IX Violations in Louisiana
The Code of Federal Regulations contains Title 34, which concerns education and has the full text of Title IX guidelines and related provisions. Other civil rights laws that are addressed include:
- Title VI: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 regarding discrimination based on race, color, and origin
- Section 504: The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 regarding discrimination based on disabilities
- Title II: The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
- The Age Discrimination Act of 1975
School Investigation & Appeals Process
After receiving an accusation the school's designated staff will conduct an investigation and make a ruling. If the accused party is determined to have violated the rules then they do have the opportunity of appealing the ruling. If this subsequent ruling is also unfavorable the school may proceed with imposing sanctions and penalties.
OCR Complaint Considerations
It is recommended that you retain an experienced attorney when initiating the OCR complaint process. Drafting a highly effective OCR letter is critical because the agency will want to recognize there is sufficient cause and that the matter is within their legal authority. Keep in mind that if looking to file beyond the OCR's limitation period you will need to also have the justification that they view as sufficient for them to grant you a waiver.
Attorney Defends Students in Title IX Violations in Louisiana
Students found to have violated civil rights-related rules at colleges and universities will face some type(s) of penalties and sanctions. If you have already unsuccessfully appealed allegations such as those related to Title IX you now have a limited time remaining to challenge this ruling. Attorney Joseph D. Lento has an excellent understanding of the OCR complaint process and can be reached at (888) 535-3686 for a consultation.
Louisiana colleges and universities where Joseph D. Lento can help as your or your
- Acadiana Technical College Lafayette Campus
- Baton Rouge College
- Baton Rouge Community College
- Blue Cliff College Alexandria
- Blue Cliff College Houma
- Blue Cliff College Metairie
- Blue Cliff College Shreveport
- Bossier Parish Community College
- Capital Area Technical College Baton Rouge Campus
- Career Technical College Shreveport
- Centenary College of Louisiana
- Central Louisiana Technical College Alexandria Campus
- Court Reporting Institute of Louisiana
- Delgado Community College
- Delta School of Business and Technology
- Dillard University
- Grambling State University
- Herzing University Kenner
- ITT Technical Institute Baton Rouge
- ITT Technical Institute Saint Rose
- L E Fletcher Technical Community College
- Louisiana College
- Louisiana Delta Community College Monroe Campus
- Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
- Louisiana State University Eunice
- Louisiana State University Alexandria
- Louisiana State University Shreveport
- Louisiana Tech University
- Loyola University New Orleans
- McCann School of Business & Technology Monroe
- McNeese State University
- Medvance Institute Baton Rouge
- Nicholls State University
- Northeast Louisiana Technical College Delta Ouachita Campus
- Northshore Technical Community College
- Northwest Louisiana Technical College
- Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Nunez Community College
- Our Lady of Holy Cross College
- Our Lady of the Lake College
- Remington College Baton Rouge Campus
- Remington College Lafayette Campus
- Remington College Shreveport Campus
- River Parishes Community College
- Saint Joseph Seminary College
- South Central Louisiana Technical College Young Memorial Campus
- South Louisiana Community College
- Southeastern Louisiana University
- Southern University and A & M College
- Southern University at New Orleans
- Southern University at Shreveport
- Sowela Technical Community College
- Tulane University of Louisiana
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- University of Louisiana Monroe
- University of New Orleans
- University of Phoenix Baton Rouge
- University of Phoenix Lafayette
- University of Phoenix Louisiana Campus
- University of Phoenix Shreveport Bossier
- Virginia College
- Xavier University of Louisiana
Students and parents at times do not realize until after a finding of responsibility and the imposition of adverse sanctions that sexual misconduct allegations at college can result in severe consequences academically and professionally and in the short and long-term. The earlier the necessary steps are taken to address a Title IX case, the better, because these are cases that can be won at the school-level. There are times, however, that the help of the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights (DOE-OCR) is needed and Joseph D. Lento has a decade of experience passionately fighting for the futures of his clients at colleges and universities throughout the nation and has helped many clients seek recourse with the DOE-OCR. 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, who helps students in Louisiana with DOE-OCR Title IX complaints, 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 to students facing disciplinary cases in Louisiana and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
