Federally funded educational institutions must adhere to Title IX guidelines that prohibit sexual discrimination and disparity. The administration must investigate claims such as sexual harassment and may impose penalties on violators. When a student is facing such allegations they are entitled to challenge the claims. The majority of colleges and universities will conduct a hearing where all parties are present. The accused may be joined by an advisor at the hearing who functions primarily in a passive support role during the proceedings. Many accused students take these matters too lightly and are stunned when suddenly faced with a suspension or dismissal from the institution. Attorney Joseph D. Lento defends students in Title IX disciplinary matters to ensure their rights and academic future are protected.
Common Title IX Allegations
The U.S. Department of Education's Title IX guidelines are broadly described as being related to actions of sexual discrimination. More specifically, some of the actions that may be deemed as violations include:
- Treatment or action that is unfair based on the gender of an individual
- Discrimination that relates to gender identity
- Acts that are sexist in nature
- Inequality that is gender-related involved with athletics or campus activities
- Unwanted sexual advances or comments
- Unwanted physical contact
- Abuse, assault or coercion of a sexual nature
- Creating a hostile environment through discrimination
Why Consider Legal Counsel?
Colleges and university students typically have an established plan for their education and are committing significant resources of money and time. Severe sanctions from disciplinary misconduct that may potentially be imposed can dramatically alter these plans. In addition, evidence of disciplinary action on your student records and transcripts can have longer-term adverse consequences. Those seeking to transfer to a different school or enter a graduate school program could encounter problems with admittance.
How an Attorney Benefits You in a Disciplinary Hearing
Before your hearing, your attorney will work with you on key aspects of preparation. You should be comfortable responding to the questions that you will likely encounter. Your opening and closing statements should be highly effective and delivered with confidence. Evidence and/or expert testimony that supports your defense may be presented. Depending on the venue, you may be able to cross-examine witnesses in some cases. Your attorney may negotiate with university personnel during the process to potentially reach some favorable settlement or minimize the severity of sanctions. Overall, you will have excellent advice, support, and a comprehensive defense strategy.
Challenging an Unfavorable Ruling
Many students do not retain legal assistance until after they are found to be in violation and penalties are being imposed. Each institution generally has a written procedure for appealing a decision. At this point, your attorney will help you in creating a justification that warrants reconsideration of the decision. It is critical to act quickly in these instances because many schools require notification of your intent to challenge the ruling in merely a few days or weeks.
Attorney for Students in Title IX Hearings in Vermont
Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm has many years of experience in defending students from allegations of misconduct such as those involving Title IX. This legal assistance will aggressively challenge accusations and ensure you are treated fairly. You may have a limited time to formulate your defense; therefore, contact the office today at (888) 535-3686 for a consultation.
- Bennington College
- Castleton State College
- Champlain College
- College of St Joseph
- Community College of Vermont
- Goddard College
- Green Mountain College
- Johnson State College
- Landmark College
- Lyndon State College
- Marlboro College
- Middlebury College
- Norwich University
- Saint Michael's College
- Southern Vermont College
- Sterling College
- University of Vermont
- Vermont Technical College
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 Vermont and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
