Title IX was presumably crafted with good intentions—to protect university students nationwide from sex-based discrimination and harassment. As many college employees have found, though, the application of Title IX can be overzealous, indiscriminate, and ruinous to those in its path.
If you or a loved one are facing a Title IX-related allegation as a college employee in Iowa, you must actively defend yourself. Hiring an advisor experienced in nationwide Title IX defense, like attorney Joseph Lento, is the least you can do to protect your reputation.
What College Employees in Iowa Must Know About Title IX
First, know that as a college employee in Iowa, Title IX statutes do apply to you. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) explains that the Title IX amendment prohibits university employees from:
- Extending or withholding financial aid or benefits from someone depending on sex-based characteristics
- Extending or withholding any other form of assistance or benefit based on one's sex or gender
- Actively discriminating against, or punishing, someone based on their sex or gender
- Providing different quality facilities or services to groups based on their sex or gender
- Maintaining separate rules based on sex or gender
The DOJ also explains that “Title IX protects students from sexual harassment in educational programs or activities operated by recipients of federal funding.” Universities in Iowa may also handle allegations of sexual misconduct other than harassment (such as groping, rape, and other sexual offenses) through its Title IX protocols.
Updates to Title IX laws, including the Violence Against Women Act, have expanded the scope of Title IX reporting—you may face Title IX sanctions for an alleged offense you didn't even know Title IX covered.
If you're accused of sexual harassment, sexual violence, sex-based discrimination, or any other Title IX-related offense as a university employee, expect your employer to use Title IX guidelines to adjudicate the matter. Specific employees subject to Title IX rules and procedures generally include:
- Athletic coaches and trainers
- Professors
- Administrators
- Academic and behavioral counselors
- Postdoctoral scholars
- Service professionals (IT, campus health, or other service employees)
- Any other person who qualifies as a college employee
If you suspect that you will face a Title IX investigation, or you've already received notice of Title IX allegations, you should retain an experienced advisor as soon as possible.
The process ahead could be complicated and will certainly be high-risk. Having an advisor to protect your rights, advise you, and negotiate a resolution with your university could be invaluable.
What You Stand to Lose From an Alleged Title IX Violation in Iowa
As a general rule, the more serious the Title IX allegation levied against you, the more you may stand to lose. Even so, the most seemingly inconsequential Title IX allegation can spiral into a personal and professional disaster—especially if you underplay your university's capacity to impose a swift, heavy-handed ruling.
Depending on the specific allegations you face, you may stand to lose:
- Your job at your current university: If you're found responsible for a Title IX violation, keeping your job may be out of the question. You may also lose tenure or any other benefits that you derive from your current employment.
- The opportunity to secure similar employment at another university: While a Title IX allegation and adjudication should generally remain private, this is not always the reality in the age of internet-fueled gossip, innuendo, and outright accusation. Prospective employers may choose not to hire you if they catch wind of your alleged Title IX infraction.
- Your good reputation: Reputation is everything, whether you're applying to rent an apartment, seeking employment, or trying to gain custody of your children. A Title IX allegation can eviscerate your good reputation, causing unknown but likely hardship for you and your loved ones.
- Your sense of personal well-being: You've likely already experienced stress from the allegations you face. If you're found responsible for those allegations, your psychological, emotional, and physical well-being may be in jeopardy.
More than ever, it is critical that you use all of the resources available to protect your reputation and fight Title IX-related sanctions. An Iowa Title IX advisor may be the greatest resource of all.
What Rights Do I Have to Defend Myself From a Title IX Allegation?
You have a right to have an advisor, who may be an attorney, guide you through the Title IX adjudication process. This process generally involves:
- A decision by your university's Title IX counselor on whether to advance or dismiss the complaint against you
- An investigation into the allegations against you (after you receive notice of the investigation)
- A hearing, during which time you and your advisor may present oral arguments, question witnesses (and your accuser), and refute the case against you
- Either: a) notice of dismissal of your case, or b) a finding that you're responsible for the allegations you face
- Title IX appeals, a right that we will absolutely exercise on your behalf, if necessary
While there may be additional steps between the filing of a complaint against you and the completion of an appeal, these are the major landmarks in the Title IX adjudication timeline.
Regardless of changes to Title IX statutes, never forget: You are entitled to due process. Our team will ensure that your university, and other parties involved in your case, respect your rights to capable representation and due process.
Hire the Lento Law Firm to Defend You From a Title IX Allegation in Iowa
Joseph D. Lento and his team at the Lento Law Firm have made college employee defense a central focus of their practice. With employees in Iowa and across the nation facing baseless yet serious Title IX allegations on a routine basis, we've made it our mission to provide much-needed defense services.
We understand your rights as a college employee in Iowa. We also know that universities cannot sanction or terminate employees like you without due cause.
Let the Lento Law Firm try to work with your employer. We may reach a solution that all parties can accept while preserving your reputation and hopefully your employment. If necessary, we'll take legal measures to protect you.
Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online to get the assistance you deserve.
