Most postsecondary educational institutions are required to abide by Title IX guidelines that prohibit sexually-based discrimination. When an allegation such as sexual harassment or assault is received, the administration has designated staff for investigating. Accused students are always entitled to defend such claims. The majority of colleges and universities will conduct a hearing where all parties are present and may impose penalties on violators. Accused parties may be accompanied by an advisor at hearings. Many students take these matters too lightly and are caught off guard when penalties such as a suspension or expulsion are imposed. Joseph D. Lento is an attorney that aggressively defends students in Title IX disciplinary matters to ensure their rights and academic future are protected.
Title IX Violation
The Title IX provisions created by the U.S. Department of Education are broadly described as being related to actions of sexual discrimination. Some of these specific actions that may be deemed as violations include:
- Acts that are determined to be unfair because they discriminate based on gender
- Gender identity discrimination
- Voicing sexist statements or comments
- Inequality that is gender-related involved with athletics or campus activities
- Inappropriate comments or sexual suggestions
- Inappropriate physical contact
- Sexually-related abuse, assault or coercion
- Creating a hostile environment through discrimination
Is Legal Representation Necessary?
Penalties that are levied against the accused may have devastating results on your educational plans. Students are committed to their academic goals and are investing critical resources such as time and money. Disciplinary sanctions from misconduct can not only alter these plans, but evidence of these matters can remain on your student records and transcripts. Those seeking to transfer to a different school or enter a graduate school program could encounter problems with admittance.
How Will My Attorney Help?
Prior to your hearing, your lawyer will prepare you on several key elements of preparation. You should be relaxed when responding to the questions that you will likely come across. Your opening and closing statements should be highly effective and delivered with confidence. Evidence and/or expert testimony that aides your defense may be presented. Based on the specific institution, you may be able to cross-examine witnesses in certain cases. Your lawyer may also conduct negotiations with administrative personnel during the process to potentially reach some favorable settlement or minimize the severity of sanctions. Overall, you will have excellent guidance, support, and a proactive defense strategy.
Appealing a Ruling
According to college or university guidelines, there will be some written policies involving your right to an appeal. Many students fail to seek legal representation when they are first accused of wrongdoing. If an adverse ruling has been made, your lawyer may help you in creating a document that clearly justifies an appeal. It is critical to move rapidly in these instances because many institutions impose a deadline for filing an appeal that may be only a few days.
New Jersey Attorney Defends Students in Title IX Hearings
Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm have been defending students in actions of disciplinary defense for many years. This legal assistance will aggressively challenge accusations and ensure you are treated fairly. You are likely to have a short window of time to formulate your defense; therefore, contact the office today at (888) 535-3686 for a consultation.
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 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 New Jersey and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
