Colorado is now home to more than 300 postsecondary educational institutions. These include state universities, private colleges, technical colleges, academies, and other educational institutions. To maintain eligibility for federal education funds, schools must comply with the requirements of the Title IX amendment of 1972.
Title IX Basics
This amendment was originated by the U.S. Department of Education. The provisions of Title IX prohibit sexually-based discrimination in educational environments. The Colorado Department of Higher Education provides some local guidance to institutions to supplement federal directives. In 2019, the Colorado General Assembly established a Sexual Misconduct Advisory Committee that is furthering these efforts.
Institutional Exemptions
Some educational entities under the control of a religious organization qualify for an exemption. This applies when the provisions are “inconsistent with the religious tenets of the organization.” One example is that certain faiths only allow men to train for ministerial roles.
Examples of Sexual Discrimination
- Treating one individual differently from others based on sex, such as in admissions or athletic opportunities
- Maintaining different eligibility requirements for financial aid or benefits based on gender, sexual orientation, etc.
- Providing support for an agency or organization that perpetuates forms of sexual discrimination
Structure for Handling Complaints
Title IX does not require that institutions follow a specified procedure for handling these allegations. Instead, they provide guidance that encourages timely response, sufficient investigation, and fairness and equity to all parties. Many institutions conduct hearings where the parties are present and evidence is presented.
The parties are typically able to choose an advisor that will assist and support them in these and other proceedings. This individual may or may not be an attorney. The advisor role is generally restricted from directly questioning witnesses or answering questions on a party's behalf.
Understanding LGBTQ
It is now estimated that LGBTQ students compose 10% of the total enrollment at colleges and universities. This is a group often characterized as not conforming to societal norms. Based on stereotypes and false perceptions, LGBTQ students that are accused of related misconduct may feel that their rights are insufficiently protected in these matters.
Should I Retain an Attorney to Serve in an Advisory Role?
Having legal representation in these disciplinary proceedings may be a tremendous benefit during all stages of the proceedings including the investigation, hearing as applicable, and appeal if necessary. This will help to ensure that your rights under Title IX provisions are properly recognized. These include full disclosure of all allegations and evidence, that the actions are conducted free from any conflicts of interests, and more.
Your attorney will assist you in preparing to effectively respond to questions and issue statements. Having an experienced attorney is of particular importance because the federal guidelines have been rapidly changing over the last few years. Busy institutional administrators may struggle to maintain compliance with recent changes and maybe moving hastily to achieve a prompt conclusion to the proceedings.
Experienced Advisor for Students in Title IX Actions in Colorado
Students in Colorado that are accused of violating their school's Title IX rules may potentially face harsh sanctions including suspension or expulsion from the institution. Joseph D. Lento is an attorney that can provide effective advisory representation in these matters. You are strongly encouraged to contact him today at (888) 535-3686.
Colorado colleges and universities where Joseph D. Lento can help as your or your gay or lesbian student's Title IX advisor during investigations, hearings, and appeals include, but are not limited to, the following schools
- Adams State College
- Aims Community College
- American Sentinel University
- Arapahoe Community College
- Argosy University Denver
- Bel Rea Institute of Animal Technology
- Boulder College of Massage Therapy
- College America Colorado Springs
- College America Denver
- College America Fort Collins
- Colorado Academy of Veterinary Technology
- Colorado Christian University
- Colorado College
- Colorado Heights University
- Colorado Mesa University
- Colorado Mountain College
- Colorado Northwestern Community College
- Colorado School of Healing Arts
- Colorado School of Mines
- Colorado State University Fort Collins
- Colorado State University Pueblo
- Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs
- Colorado Technical University Greenwood Village
- Colorado Technical University Online
- Community College of Aurora
- Community College of Denver
- Denver School of Nursing
- DeVry University Colorado
- Ecotech Institute
- Everest College Aurora
- Everest College Colorado Springs
- Everest College Thornton
- Fort Lewis College
- Front Range Community College
- Institute of Business and Medical Careers
- ITT Technical Institute Aurora
- ITT Technical Institute Westminster
- Johnson & Wales University Denver
- Jones International University
- Lamar Community College
- Metropolitan State College of Denver
- Morgan Community College
- Naropa University
- National American University Centennial
- National American University Colorado Springs
- National American University Colorado Springs South
- National American University Denver
- Nazarene Bible College
- Northeastern Junior College
- Otero Junior College
- Pikes Peak Community College
- Platt College Aurora
- Prince Institute Rocky Mountains
- Pueblo Community College
- Red Rocks Community College
- Redstone College
- Regis University
- Remington College Colorado Springs Campus
- Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
- The Art Institute of Colorado
- Trinidad State Junior College
- United States Air Force Academy (exempt from Title IX and the Clery Act)
- University of Colorado Boulder
- University of Colorado Denver
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- University of Denver
- University of Northern Colorado
- University of Phoenix Colorado Campus
- University of Phoenix Southern Colorado Campus
- Western State Colorado University
- Westwood College Denver North
- Westwood College Denver South
Approximately 10% of college students in the United States identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, or questioning according to studies and LGBTQ+ students should not feel alone when accused of sexual misconduct. As importantly, they should they not face such burdens alone or without the necessary support and guidance.
The reason LGBTQ+ students should not go through the Title IX process alone is because, as with all students accused of sexual misconduct, Title IX allegations and charges can change an accused student's life if not defended against properly and as early as possible during the disciplinary process. It is critical to have a dedicated and experienced advocate when facing a challenge in life and Joseph D. Lento has more than a decade of experience passionately fighting for the future of LGBTQ+ students 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 and serves as a Title IX advisor to students facing Title IX and disciplinary cases in Colorado and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today at 888-535-3686.
