According to Title IX rules, schools that receive educational funds from the federal government must ensure that all students have their civil rights protected. The U.S. Department of Education does not tolerate actions such as sexual harassment or assault. Colleges and universities now have assigned coordinators that take disciplinary action when they receive these types of complaints. Often the staff members assigned to investigate these matters fails in affording the accused their rightful due process and protections. Those who are found to have committed an act of misconduct will face sanctions from the school. The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) allows these individuals to file a complaint requesting that the facts and the investigation that was conducted be independently reviewed. Those looking to consider filing an OCR complaint may want to consult with well-established legal counsel such as the Lento Law Firm.
Missouri Title IX Coordinator Discussion (2018)
The Columbia Business Times recently spoke with three Title IX coordinators in Missouri regarding their campus programs.
Stephens College: Shannon Walls is the Title IX coordinator at this women's college with roughly 650 undergraduate students. Walls explained how Title IX investigations are very different than criminal cases. She expounded that “our sanctions are related to the participation within our community” and “range from a verbal warning to expulsion”.
Columbia College: Mark Falkowski is the college's first general counsel. He says that their Title IX program has been progressing nicely. He explained that colleges and universities are increasingly facing “regulation and liability”. He focuses considerable effort on making sure that all parties involved in investigations are afforded “fair due process”.
University of Missouri: Andy Hayes is their assistant vice chancellor of Civil Rights. One of their recent surveys showed that slightly over 20% of respondents had been exposed to “exclusionary, intimidating, offensive and/or hostile conduct”.
Title IX Violations in Missouri
The details regarding Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 are found within the Federal Code of Regulations. Title IX regulations apply to all of the various types of educational institutions. Other similar civil rights laws 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
Educational administrators at colleges and universities have an established process for investigating such complaints. After reviewing the facts they will conduct a hearing where a decision is made. If the accused party is found to have violated the rules they may appeal the ruling. When an appeal is not successful these individuals may consider filing an OCR complaint.
OCR Complaint Considerations
Those who have exhausted their options for avoiding school-imposed sanctions may consider consulting with an attorney regarding an OCR complaint. Experienced legal counsel will protect your best interests and help navigate the process. Keep in mind that you have a limited window of time in which to bring a complaint.
Lawyer for Student Discipline Defense in Missouri
Allegations relating to sexual misconduct can have long-term consequences for your future. Attorney Joseph D. Lento is among the leading representatives for students facing sanctions and penalties. Contact the office today to confidentially discuss your situation at (888) 535-3686.
Missouri colleges and universities where Joseph D. Lento can help as your or your
- Avila University
- Baptist Bible College and Graduate School
- Brown Mackie College St Louis
- Bryan University Springfield
- Calvary Bible College and Theological Seminary
- Central Bible College
- Central Christian College of the Bible
- Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Chamberlain College of Nursing Missouri
- College of the Ozarks
- Colorado Technical University Kansas City
- Columbia College
- Conception Seminary College
- Cottey College
- Cox College
- Crowder College
- Culver Stockton College
- DeVry University Missouri
- Drury University
- East Central College
- Evangel University
- Everest College Springfield
- Fontbonne University
- Grantham University
- Hannibal LaGrange University
- Harris Stowe State University
- Hickey College
- ITT Technical Institute Arnold
- ITT Technical Institute Earth City
- ITT Technical Institute Kansas City
- ITT Technical Institute Springfield
- Jefferson College
- Kansas City Art Institute
- Kenrick Glennon Seminary
- L'Ecole Culinaire
- Lincoln University
- Lindenwood University
- Linn State Technical College
- Maryville University of Saint Louis
- Messenger College
- Metro Business College Arnold
- Metro Business College Cape Girardeau
- Metro Business College Jefferson City
- Metro Business College Rolla
- Metropolitan Community College Blue River
- Metropolitan Community College Business & Technology
- Metropolitan Community College Longview
- Metropolitan Community College Maple Woods
- Metropolitan Community College Penn Valley
- Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Mineral Area College
- Missouri Baptist University
- Missouri College
- Missouri Southern State University
- Missouri State University Springfield
- Missouri State University West Plains
- Missouri Tech
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
- Missouri Valley College
- Missouri Western State University
- Moberly Area Community College
- National American University Independence
- National American University Lee's Summit
- National American University Zona Rosa
- North Central Missouri College
- Northwest Missouri State University
- Ozark Christian College
- Ozarks Technical Community College
- Park University
- Pinnacle Career Institute North Kansas City
- Pinnacle Career Institute South Kansas City
- Ranken Technical College
- Research College of Nursing
- Rockhurst University
- Saint Louis Christian College
- Saint Louis Community College
- Saint Louis University Main Campus
- Sanford Brown College Fenton
- Sanford Brown College Hazelwood
- Sanford Brown College St Peters
- Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences
- Southeast Missouri State University
- Southwest Baptist University
- St Charles Community College
- St Louis College of Health Careers Fenton
- St Louis College of Health Careers St Louis
- St Louis College of Pharmacy
- State Fair Community College
- Stephens College
- Stevens Institute of Business & Arts
- Texas County Technical College
- Three Rivers Community College
- Truman State University
- University of Central Missouri
- University of Missouri Columbia
- University of Missouri Kansas City
- University of Missouri St Louis
- University of Phoenix Kansas City Campus
- University of Phoenix Springfield Campus
- University of Phoenix St Louis Campus
- Vatterott College Berkeley
- Vatterott College
- Vatterott College Kansas City
- Vatterott College Saint Joseph
- Vatterott College Springfield
- Vatterott College St Charles
- Vatterott College Sunset Hills
- Washington University in St Louis
- Webster University
- Wentworth Military Academy & Junior College
- Westminster College
- William Jewell College
- William Woods University
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 Missouri 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 Missouri and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
