Title IX's prohibition against gender discrimination is expansive. The federal law covers a myriad of behaviors that create a hostile educational environment based on sex, like inequitable admission, athletic opportunities, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, and sexual violence.
Throughout the years, there's been a need to extend the provisions of Title IX to protect LGBTQ+ students - a small and marginalized demographic of students that have had to fend for themselves for years against unrelenting hate and prejudice. LGBTQ+ students are subjected to discrimination, particularly sexual misconduct, at significantly higher rates than their non-queer counterparts.
LGBTQ+ Students as Respondents
But what about situations in which the respondent is a member of the LGBTQ+ community? There are few conversations surrounding the rare challenges LGBTQ+ students are presented when falsely accused of sexual misconduct. Existing in a demographic that is already incredibly marginalized while simultaneously being branded a perpetrator of any kind of sexual violence can be devastating for queer respondents. There is already an unshakeable stigma that plagues respondents. Before one can even prove their innocence, society projects a premature judgment onto respondents that will cause some people to treat them poorly.
Many LGBTQ+ students struggle to gain acceptance on college campuses in the first place. With these allegations attached to their name, the small community they once found refuge in may reject them, further isolating them. Not to mention that they're less likely to garner any type of sympathy due to society's perpetuation of stereotypes and false characterizations of their sexuality. To many, LGBTQ+ people are perceived as over-sexualized and impulsive with uncontrollable sexual urges. When people start to believe these stereotypes, it creates an even more dangerous environment for queer respondents who are already prone to being bullied and minimizes the likelihood of people believing their side of the story.
Your Rights
If you have been accused of sexual misconduct on college campuses, you are afforded several rights under Title IX:
- The right to receive notice of the charges brought against you
- The right to hear a description of the university's evidence against you
- The right to present your account of events to an impartial panel
- The right to have your case heard under standard procedures used for all similar cases
- The right to student services (like counseling)
- The right to have an attorney present during a hearing
Retaining an attorney during the Title IX process is the only way to ensure your rights are protected and ensure that the process remains fair.
Unfortunately, innocent LGBTQ+ respondents often times aren't afforded any source of support. It's not unusual for their own family and friends, who may or may not secretly harbor feelings of prejudice, to question their innocence. This is why if you are a queer respondent, you absolutely need the legal guidance of a student defense attorney.
Student Defense Attorney Helping Clients in Washington
If you are an LGBTQ+ student in Washington whose been accused of sexual misconduct, it may seem like you're in the Title IX process alone. But you can retain an advocate who will be on your side, regardless of your sexual orientation or gender identity. Attorney Joseph D. Lento has dedicated his entire life to helping students of all demographics put up a fight when falsely accused of sexual misconduct. He'll help you gather facts, testify, and gain an understanding of your school's policies and processes so you have a fighting chance. Contact him today at 888-535-3686.
Washington colleges and universities where Joseph D. Lento can help as your or your LGBTQ+ student's Title IX advisor during investigations, hearings, and appeals include, but are not limited to, the following schools:
- Antioch University Seattle
- Argosy University Seattle
- Bates Technical College
- Bellevue College
- Bellingham Technical College
- Big Bend Community College
- Cascadia Community College
- Central Washington University
- Centralia College
- City University of Seattle
- Clark College
- Clover Park Technical College
- Columbia Basin College
- Cornish College of the Arts
- DeVry University Washington
- DigiPen Institute of Technology
- Eastern Washington University
- Edmonds Community College
- Everest College Bremerton
- Everest College Everett
- Everest College Tacoma
- Everest College Vancouver
- Everett Community College
- Faith Evangelical College & Seminary
- Gonzaga University
- Grays Harbor College
- Green River Community College
- Heritage University
- Highline Community College
- International Academy of Design and Technology Seattle
- ITT Technical Institute Everett
- ITT Technical Institute Seattle
- ITT Technical Institute Spokane Valley
- Lake Washington Institute of Technology
- Lower Columbia College
- Northwest Aviation College
- Northwest College of Art
- Northwest Indian College
- Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building
- Northwest University
- Olympic College
- Pacific Lutheran University
- Peninsula College
- Pierce College at Fort Steilacoom
- Pierce College at Puyallup
- Renton Technical College
- Saint Martin's University
- Seattle Community College Central Campus
- Seattle Community College North Campus
- Seattle Community College South Campus
- Seattle Pacific University
- Seattle University
- Shoreline Community College
- Skagit Valley College
- South Puget Sound Community College
- Spokane Community College
- Spokane Falls Community College
- Tacoma Community College
- The Art Institute of Seattle
- The Evergreen State College
- Trinity Lutheran College
- University of Phoenix Western Washington Campus
- University of Puget Sound
- University of Washington Bothell Campus
- University of Washington Seattle Campus
- University of Washington Tacoma Campus
- Walla Walla Community College
- Walla Walla University
- Washington State University
- Wenatchee Valley College
- Western Washington University
- Whatcom Community College
- Whitman College
- Whitworth University
- Yakima Valley Community College
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 Washington 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.
