Federal law Title IX prohibits gender-based discrimination in federally funded educational programs and activities. This legislation has been implemented and enforced in most of the schools in Iowa, including the state's colleges and universities. It specifically forbids sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other discriminatory actions that create a hostile environment on campus.
Title IX requires schools to take immediate action upon resolution for complaints containing sexual misconduct. If a student is found “responsible” for violating Title IX policy, he or she has the right to appeal this decision.
Your Right to Appeal
An appeal is a request for a school to reconsider its decision. The right to appeal is one of the most important rights entitled to student respondents. Much like the appellate process in the criminal justice system, the overall goal of this system in schools is to keep authorities accountable for the decisions they make. Title IX sanctions are notoriously harsh, exposing students to the risk of being suspended, being booted from their program, or even being expelled. With the possibility of being subjected to such serious ramifications, student respondents must ensure that their school is making fair and founded decisions. The most effective way in doing so it to use their right to appeal.
Inquiries about the appellate process at your school and your next steps should be discussed with a student defense attorney. Legal professional Joseph D. Lento can help you submit a considerable appeal.
Grounds for an Appeal
Mere dissatisfaction with a case outcome is not enough to overturn an unfavorable decision. In order for an appeal to be granted, it should be based on specific grounds. The decision to appeal a determination and/or sanction boils down to how well you and your advisor can establish at least one of four grounds:
- Procedural error: a serious mistake was made at some point in the disciplinary process, and it influenced the outcome of a determination and/or sanction.
- Disproportionate sanction: the sanction(s) imposed are unduly disproportionate to the alleged violation.
- A violation of due process rights: an institution stripped a student of their entitled rights under Title IX and school policy.
- New evidence available: evidence that supports the case of a respondent, and would have had a substantial impact on a case outcome became available after a hearing.
Every school has its own unique content and submission appeal guidelines. It's important you identify important dates, deadlines, and other important information by checking your student handbook or code of conduct. If an appeal is not submitted in a timely manner or isn't considered substantively eligible, the original determination and sanction will stand.
Iowa Title IX Appeal Advisor
If you're attending an Iowa college or university and are planning to appeal a case outcome, you need the help of a skilled student defense attorney. Attorney Joseph D. Lento has helped many students in seemingly bleak situations win appeals. He has the skill, expertise, and experience to do the same for you. Contact him online or give him a call at 888-535-3686 for further assistance.
- AIB College of Business
- Allen College
- Briar Cliff University
- Brown Mackie College Quad Cities
- Buena Vista University
- Central College
- Clarke University
- Coe College
- Cornell College
- Des Moines Area Community College
- Divine Word College
- Dordt College
- Drake University
- Eastern Iowa Community College District
- Ellsworth Community College
- Emmaus Bible College
- Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary
- Graceland University Lamoni
- Grand View University
- Grinnell College
- Hamilton Technical College
- Hawkeye Community College
- Indian Hills Community College
- Iowa Central Community College
- Iowa Lakes Community College
- Iowa State University
- Iowa Wesleyan College
- Iowa Western Community College
- ITT Technical Institute Cedar Rapids
- ITT Technical Institute Clive
- Kaplan University Cedar Falls Campus
- Kaplan University Cedar Rapids Campus
- Kaplan University Council Bluffs Campus
- Kaplan University Davenport Campus
- Kaplan University Des Moines Campus
- Kaplan University Mason City Campus
- Kirkwood Community College
- Loras College
- Luther College
- Maharishi University of Management
- Marshalltown Community College
- Mercy College of Health Sciences
- Morningside College
- Mount Mercy University
- North Iowa Area Community College
- Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar
- Northwest Iowa Community College
- Northwestern College
- Palmer College of Chiropractic Davenport
- Saint Ambrose University
- Simpson College
- Southeastern Community College
- Southwestern Community College
- St Luke's College
- University of Dubuque
- University of Iowa
- University of Northern Iowa
- University of Phoenix Des Moines Campus
- Upper Iowa University
- Vatterott College Des Moines
- Waldorf College
- Wartburg College
- Western Iowa Tech Community College
- William Penn 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 York and New Jersey, 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 Iowa and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
