Title IX is a broad federal amendment that, when wielded improperly, devastates the careers and lives of college employees falsely accused of wrongdoing. If you're facing allegations of sexual misconduct, harassment, or other Title IX-related wrongdoing as a college employee in Connecticut, you deserve a strong defense.
Changes to Title IX legislation, inconsistent enforcement practices, and other challenges make it difficult for college employees to defend themselves. It may be in your interest to hire an experienced Title IX advisor who knows the law, can negotiate tactfully with your employer in Connecticut, and is undeniably on your side.
How Title IX Applies to Professors, Coaches, Staff, and Other College Employees in Connecticut
By the letter of the law, Title IX prohibits various forms of discrimination in a college setting—including gender-based discrimination. In practice, though, Title IX has far greater reach and now extends to allegations of sexual misconduct.
Any employee who works at a college or university in Connecticut must be aware of how Title IX applies to them. This federal amendment generally prohibits college employees like you from:
- Committing sexual harassment
- Engaging in any form of sexual violence
- Denying someone opportunities or benefits on the basis of sex, orientation, or gender identity
- Retaliating against someone who has filed a Title IX complaint against you
If someone accuses you of any of these or other Title IX-related offenses, then the adjudication process may begin.
What Process Can I Expect as the Subject of a Title IX Investigation in Connecticut?
Every school in America must have a Title IX Coordinator, per the U.S. Department of Education. This Title IX Coordinator will likely have great influence over how your case unfolds and may head the adjudication process.
Once the Title IX Coordinator at your Connecticut college or university receives a complaint against you, then:
- The Title IX Coordinator will review the complaint: Based on the statements and evidence they have access to, or are able to acquire in a reasonable timeframe, the Coordinator will decide whether to move forward with the complaint against you.
- You'll be notified: If the complaint moves forward, you'll receive formal notice of the allegations against you, who is alleging them, and the specific policies you're accused of violating. You may also receive details about a pending investigation and hearing and the consequences should you fail to cooperate with either process.
- You'll face an investigation: A Title IX investigator will gather all information and evidence they deem relevant to your case. You will want to retain your Title IX advisor before the investigation, if possible. Saying the wrong thing or failing to ensure that the investigator receives all favorable evidence could have case-altering consequences.
- The investigator will issue a report of findings: Once you have a chance to issue any requested corrections to the report (you generally have ten days to do so), the investigator may provide their findings to the Title IX Coordinator.
- A hearing will commence: At the college level, both the accuser and accused have the right to request a Title IX hearing. Such hearings are common in Title IX cases, especially those involving serious allegations of misconduct. Your Title IX advisor may lead your case during the hearing and may prepare you for any aspects (like opening and closing statements) that you must handle.
- The decision-making panel will issue a verdict: This panel will either dismiss the case, deeming you “not responsible” for the allegations, or deem you “responsible” and issue a penalty that it believes is fair.
You may appeal an unfavorable judgment, and your Title IX advisor can lead the appeals process for you.
The Title IX adjudication process may seem daunting and with good reason. From the outset, Title IX cases may have the feel of a criminal investigation and may turn your world upside down. Much is at stake, and it is wise to take this process as seriously as it feels.
Making matters even more treacherous, Title IX adjudication procedures are not exactly alike at every school in Connecticut. So long as the university is able “to resolve complaints promptly and equitably,” then it may have the freedom to handle your case as it sees fit.
This language—“promptly and equitably”—leaves much room for interpretation. The lack of clarity is a glaring reason to hire a Title IX advisor to ensure you receive due process.
What Is At Risk If You Fail to Defend Yourself from Title IX Allegations?
Mental defense mechanisms may lull you into thoughts like, “This situation is not as bad as it seems,” or “everything will work out.” While you should keep your composure, do not indulge these thoughts.
You need a capable Title IX advisor who will take the allegations against you seriously, as a formal Title IX complaint could lead to:
- The demolition of your personal and professional reputation
- Loss of your job
- Loss of tenure
- Expulsion from professional associations
- Difficulty securing future employment in your current line of work
- Psychological problems stemming from the loss of your reputation, job, and sense of fulfillment
Few things are more professionally damaging than a serious Title IX allegation. With a proper defense, though, you may be able to avoid these life-altering consequences.
Hire a Connecticut-Focused Title IX Advisor From the Lento Law Firm to Guide You Through This Pivotal Time
An alleged Title IX violation is nothing to underestimate. Depending on the allegation in question, you're fighting not just for your job but to maintain everything that you've worked for personally and professionally—you're fighting for your name.
Let Title IX advisor Joseph D. Lento take up that fight alongside you. He and his team represent college employees accused of Title IX violations from coast to coast. The Lento Law Firm is familiar with universities throughout Connecticut, and they're ready to start your defense today.
Our team can help if you are accused of a Title IX violation as:
- A professor
- A staff member
- A coach
- A resident advisor
- Any other college or university employee in Connecticut
Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or submit your case details online.
