Title IX laws are enforced at educational institutions including most of the country's colleges and universities. The U.S. Department of Education enacted them in 1972 to prevent sexual discrimination. Institutions of higher learning must comply as a requirement for maintaining critical federal education funds. Specific administration members are assigned to conduct an inquiry when a complaint is received. An investigation will follow if evidence shows that a violation, such as an act of sexual misconduct, has occurred. Violators may face sanctions such as a period of disciplinary probation, a suspension, or even expulsion. Based on the possible consequences, accused students should consider consulting with an attorney. The Lento Law Firm has a wealth of experience in defending students in these matters.
Hearing Overview
The disciplinary process includes a hearing that allows the accused party to defend against the allegations. Schools use various formats for conducting these hearings, which are not intended to emulate formal civil or criminal court proceedings. Federal program regulators recently proposed some modifications to the Title IX rules that may alter the manner that these are handled.
Burden of Proof
Initially, the Title IX provisions did not specifically establish the burden of proof. The standard that has since been adopted is the “preponderance of the evidence” as seen in civil matters. Recently proposed Title IX provisions would allow institutions to use the “clear and convincing evidence” standard as well. This proposed standard is still a lesser burden than “beyond a reasonable doubt” that is used in criminal matters. When attending disciplinary hearings, students have a right to be accompanied by an advisor. Having an attorney assume this role provides the student significant benefits.
Why Retain an Attorney?
Having attorney representation provides a host of advantages including:
- You are better prepared with a comprehensive strategy of defense and more including:
- Opening and closing statements that are highly impactful
- Able to confidently respond to questions that you are likely to encounter
- Having strong evidence and possible expert testimony with supporting documentation
- Your attorney will maintain your right to fairness throughout the process
- Better response to and management of unexpected developments that may occur during the hearing
- Potential opportunities for effective cross-examination of accusers and witnesses (if applicable)
- Guidance and emotional support as you navigate the process
- The attorney may enter negotiations with Title IX coordinators or other campus administrators at any time during the process
- Your attorney will keep abreast on the pending changes to the Title IX provisions
Attorney Assistance in Appeals
Students should avoid underestimating these matters. Violations of Title IX can potentially hinder your long-term educational plans. It is best to retain legal assistance when you are first informed of the allegations. Having assistance from an attorney will certainly be of tremendous help in showing sufficient cause that is necessary for success in an appeals process when necessary. Those wishing to appeal a decision should act promptly because educational institutions frequently require notice of intent within a matter of only days or weeks.
Lawyer for Defending Missouri Students in Title IX Disciplinary Matters
Attorney Joseph D. Lento has a firm understanding of the many aspects of Title IX student disciplinary matters. He will review the specific circumstances and evidence relating to the allegations. You deserve representation in Title IX violations that will act according to your best interests. Students in need of these services are encouraged to contact the office for a consultation at (888) 535-3686.
- Avila University
- Baptist Bible College and Graduate School
- Brown Mackie College St Louis
- Bryan University Springfield
- Calvary Bible College and Theological Seminary
- Central Bible College
- Central Christian College of the Bible
- Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Chamberlain College of Nursing Missouri
- College of the Ozarks
- Colorado Technical University Kansas City
- Columbia College
- Conception Seminary College
- Cottey College
- Cox College
- Crowder College
- Culver Stockton College
- DeVry University Missouri
- Drury University
- East Central College
- Evangel University
- Everest College Springfield
- Fontbonne University
- Grantham University
- Hannibal LaGrange University
- Harris Stowe State University
- Hickey College
- ITT Technical Institute Arnold
- ITT Technical Institute Earth City
- ITT Technical Institute Kansas City
- ITT Technical Institute Springfield
- Jefferson College
- Kansas City Art Institute
- Kenrick Glennon Seminary
- L'Ecole Culinaire
- Lincoln University
- Lindenwood University
- Linn State Technical College
- Maryville University of Saint Louis
- Messenger College
- Metro Business College Arnold
- Metro Business College Cape Girardeau
- Metro Business College Jefferson City
- Metro Business College Rolla
- Metropolitan Community College Blue River
- Metropolitan Community College Business & Technology
- Metropolitan Community College Longview
- Metropolitan Community College Maple Woods
- Metropolitan Community College Penn Valley
- Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Mineral Area College
- Missouri Baptist University
- Missouri College
- Missouri Southern State University
- Missouri State University Springfield
- Missouri State University West Plains
- Missouri Tech
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
- Missouri Valley College
- Missouri Western State University
- Moberly Area Community College
- National American University Independence
- National American University Lee's Summit
- National American University Zona Rosa
- North Central Missouri College
- Northwest Missouri State University
- Ozark Christian College
- Ozarks Technical Community College
- Park University
- Pinnacle Career Institute North Kansas City
- Pinnacle Career Institute South Kansas City
- Ranken Technical College
- Research College of Nursing
- Rockhurst University
- Saint Louis Christian College
- Saint Louis Community College
- Saint Louis University Main Campus
- Sanford Brown College Fenton
- Sanford Brown College Hazelwood
- Sanford Brown College St Peters
- Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences
- Southeast Missouri State University
- Southwest Baptist University
- St Charles Community College
- St Louis College of Health Careers Fenton
- St Louis College of Health Careers St Louis
- St Louis College of Pharmacy
- State Fair Community College
- Stephens College
- Stevens Institute of Business & Arts
- Texas County Technical College
- Three Rivers Community College
- Truman State University
- University of Central Missouri
- University of Missouri Columbia
- University of Missouri Kansas City
- University of Missouri St Louis
- University of Phoenix Kansas City Campus
- University of Phoenix Springfield Campus
- University of Phoenix St Louis Campus
- Vatterott College Berkeley
- Vatterott College
- Vatterott College Kansas City
- Vatterott College Saint Joseph
- Vatterott College Springfield
- Vatterott College St Charles
- Vatterott College Sunset Hills
- Washington University in St Louis
- Webster University
- Wentworth Military Academy & Junior College
- Westminster College
- William Jewell College
- William Woods University
Winning a Title IX hearing can mean the difference between achieving one's academic and professional goals or having these goals upended. When accused of sexual misconduct, it is critical to not take the matter lightly and to instead vigorously defend against the allegations. Title IX cases can be won, and Joseph D. Lento has a decade of experience passionately fighting for the future of his clients at colleges and universities throughout the nation and winning. 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, 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 Missouri and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
