Students from far and wide move to the United States every year to seize the opportunities the country's colleges and universities present. These students from other countries, known as international students, move to Ohio to attend schools like Ohio State University, Kent State University, The University of Akron and more to get a college degree and propel their careers. In turn, these students better Indiana campuses by diversifying them and lending their talents, brain power, and skill to improve these academic environments.
Title IX is a federal law that covers all college students and regulates how schools handle cases of sexual misconduct. If an international student is involved in a case of sexual misconduct, whether they are an accuser, known as a “complainant,” or the accused, referred to as a “respondent,” they are expected to abide by this law. But unfortunately, there are certain aspects of this law and its enforcement that may leave international students vulnerable.
Sexual misconduct allegations can lead to serious consequences for any student under Title IX. However, international students must be aware of how this law specifically and uniquely impacts them.
Understanding Title IX
Discrimination of any form is strictly prohibited on college campuses under federal law. Students are protected from gender-based discrimination, in particular, under Title IX of the Education Amendments. Title IX covers all students, regardless of their citizen status, national origin, or immigration status.
Sexual misconduct falls under the umbrella of gender-based discrimination, and there are multiple actions that constitute sexual misconduct. Some of them include sexual harassment, sexual assault, and dating violence - all of which are prevalent on college campuses. Under current Title IX guidance, higher education institutions are to fairly and promptly adjudicate all complaints alleging sexual misconduct in any of its forms.
How Sexual Misconduct Allegations Affect Ohio International Students
Being a respondent in the Title IX process obviously comes with inherent disadvantages. Because of the social stigma these allegations carry, many respondents report being mistreated and neglected by fellow students, peers, staff, and administration throughout the process for merely being accused of sexual misconduct. This isn't an uncommon phenomenon despite the fact that Title IX endorses that the interests of both parties are to be equally considered and catered to.
A respondent who also happens to be an international student will face a unique set of challenges that could disadvantage them further. Many international students feel alienated throughout the Title IX process, not only due to the nature of the allegations but as a result of being unfamiliar with certain American customs.
International students are often less aware of the rights entitled to them and the obligations they're expected to fulfill. Also, important concepts like evidentiary standards and investigatory procedures must be understood to gain leverage in the Title IX process. Not having a firm grasp on these concepts as an international student can make being accused a very confusing situation.
Sexual Misconduct Allegations and Student Visas
The unfortunate reality for international students is that they have a lot to lose when accused of academic misconduct. In fact, these students have much more to lose than the average native student in the same predicament.
In order for international students to remain in the United States for their studies, they must acquire a student visa. This visa only remains effective when international students fulfill certain requirements. Among these requirements is the obligation to maintain a full-time course load, which is equivalent to at least 12 academic credit hours per semester. If an international student is found “responsible” for this misconduct, said student's ability to continue their education becomes compromised. A suspension or expulsion can result in an international student losing their visa.
Ohio Title IX Advisor for Student Defense
As you can see, international students have a lot to lose when accused of sexual misconduct at Ohio colleges and universities. A responsible finding can derail your professional and academic goals. This is why if you're an international student who believes that they're innocent and you're seeking help, it's imperative you reach out to an attorney. Attorney Joseph D. Lento of the Lento Law Firm can help you make sense of your situation and give you options that will increase your chances of a favorable outcome - contact him today online or by phone at 888-535-3686.
Ohio colleges and universities where Joseph D. Lento can help as your or your international student's Title IX advisor during investigations, hearings, and appeals include, but are not limited to, the following schools:
- Allegheny Wesleyan College
- American Institute of Alternative Medicine
- Antonelli College Cincinnati
- Art Academy of Cincinnati
- Ashland University
- ATS Institute of Technology
- Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences
- Baldwin Wallace College
- Beckfield College Tri County
- Belmont Technical College
- Bluffton University
- Bowling Green State University Firelands
- Bowling Green State University Main Campus
- Bradford School
- Brown Mackie College Akron
- Brown Mackie College Cincinnati
- Brown Mackie College Findlay
- Brown Mackie College North Canton
- Bryant & Stratton College Cleveland
- Bryant and Stratton College Eastlake
- Bryant and Stratton College Parma
- Capital University
- Case Western Reserve University
- Cedarville University
- Central Ohio Technical College
- Central State University
- Chamberlain College of Nursing Ohio
- Chancellor University
- Chatfield College
- Cincinnati Christian University
- Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science
- Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
- Clark State Community College
- Cleveland Institute of Art
- Cleveland Institute of Music
- Cleveland State University
- College of Mount St. Joseph
- Columbus College of Art and Design
- Columbus State Community College
- Cuyahoga Community College District
- Davis College
- Daymar College Chillicothe
- Daymar College Jackson
- Daymar College Lancaster
- Daymar College New Boston
- Defiance College
- Denison University
- DeVry University Ohio
- Eastern Gateway Community College
- Edison State Community College
- ETI Technical College
- Fortis College Centeville
- Fortis College Cincinnati
- Fortis College Columbus
- Fortis College Cuyahoga Falls
- Fortis College Ravenna
- Franciscan University of Steubenville
- Franklin University
- Gallipolis Career College
- Gods Bible School and College
- Good Samaritan College of Nursing & Health Science
- Harrison College Grove City
- Heidelberg University
- Herzing University Akron Campus
- Herzing University Toledo
- Hiram College
- Hocking College
- Hondros College
- International College of Broadcasting
- ITT Technical Institute Akron
- ITT Technical Institute Columbus
- ITT Technical Institute Dayton
- ITT Technical Institute Hilliard
- ITT Technical Institute Maumee
- ITT Technical Institute Norwood
- ITT Technical Institute Strongsville
- ITT Technical Institute Warrensville Heights
- ITT Technical Institute Youngstown
- James A Rhodes State College
- John Carroll University
- Kent State University at Ashtabula
- Kent State University at East Liverpool
- Kent State University at Geauga
- Kent State University at Kent
- Kent State University at Salem
- Kent State University at Stark
- Kent State University at Trumbull
- Kent State University at Tuscarawas
- Kenyon College
- Kettering College of Medical Arts
- Lake Erie College
- Lakeland Community College
- Lincoln College of Technology Cleveland
- Lincoln College of Technology Columbus
- Lincoln College of Technology Dayton
- Lincoln College of Technology Franklin LCT
- Lincoln College of Technology Toledo
- Lincoln College of Technology Tri County
- Lincoln College of Technology Vine Street
- Lorain County Community College
- Lourdes University
- Malone University
- Marietta College
- Marion Technical College
- Mercy College of Ohio
- Miami University
- Miami University Hamilton
- Miami University Middletown
- Miami Jacobs Career College
- Miami Jacobs Career College Columbus
- Miami Jacobs Career College Dayton
- Miami Jacobs Career College Sharonville
- Miami Jacobs Career College Springboro
- Miami Jacobs Career College Troy
- Mount Carmel College of Nursing
- Mount Vernon Nazarene University
- Muskingum University
- National College Cincinnati
- National College Columbus
- National College Dayton
- National College Stow
- National College Willoughby Hills
- National College Youngstown
- North Central State College
- Northwest State Community College
- Notre Dame College
- Oberlin College
- Ohio Business College Columbus
- Ohio Business College Sandusky
- Ohio Business College Sheffield
- Ohio Christian University
- Ohio College of Massotherapy Inc
- Ohio Dominican University
- Ohio Mid Western College
- Ohio Northern University
- Ohio State University
- Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute
- Ohio State University Lima Campus
- Ohio State University Mansfield Campus
- Ohio State University Marion Campus
- Ohio State University Newark Campus
- Ohio University Chillicothe Campus
- Ohio University Eastern Campus
- Ohio University Lancaster Campus
- Ohio University Main Campus
- Ohio University Southern Campus
- Ohio University Zanesville Campus
- Ohio Valley College of Technology
- Ohio Wesleyan University
- Otterbein University
- Owens Community College
- Pontifical College Josephinum
- Professional Skills Institute
- Rabbinical College Telshe
- Remington College Cleveland Campus
- Remington College Cleveland West Campus
- Rosedale Bible College
- Sanford Brown College Middleburg Heights,
- School of Advertising Art Inc.
- Shawnee State University
- Sinclair Community College
- Southern State Community College
- Stark State College
- Stautzenberger College Brecksville
- Stautzenberger College Maumee
- Terra State Community College
- The Art Institute of Cincinnati
- The Art Institute of Ohio Cincinnati
- The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences
- The College of Wooster
- The University of Findlay
- Tiffin University
- Tri State Bible College
- Trumbull Business College
- Union Institute & University
- University of Akron Main Campus
- University of Akron Wayne College
- University of Cincinnati Clermont College
- University of Cincinnati Main Campus
- University of Cincinnati Raymond Walters College
- University of Dayton
- University of Mount Union
- University of Northwestern Ohio
- University of Phoenix Cincinnati Campus
- University of Phoenix Cleveland Campus
- University of Phoenix Columbus Ohio Campus
- University of Rio Grande
- University of Toledo
- Urbana University
- Ursuline College
- Vatterott College Cleveland
- Virginia Marti College of Art and Design
- Walsh University
- Washington State Community College
- Wilberforce University
- Wilmington College
- Wittenberg University
- Wright State University Lake Campus
- Wright State University Main Campus
- Xavier University
- Youngstown State University
- Zane State College
All students must be extremely mindful when accused of sexual misconduct at their college or university; international students in particular, however, can have even more concerns at all stage of Title IX proceedings because the stakes are higher yet – When first contacted by their school's Title IX office, when a sexual misconduct investigation begins, when facing a hearing or an appeal or when seeking further recourse by filing a Title IX complaint with the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights when necessary. For international students who are facing a Title IX case and their families, it is critical to take the necessary precautions as soon as possible, including having an experienced attorney advisor, when accused of sexual misconduct. Unfortunately, some international students, not being as familiar what is at stake and also their rights in the process, will mistakenly believe that if they "just explain what happened," everything will work out. Title IX cases can be won, but international students and their families must recognize, however, that achieving a favorable in a Title IX case requires a dedicated and intensive approach best handled by a professional who has a track record of successes in the Title IX disciplinary arena.
Fighting passionately for the future of international students at colleges and universities throughout the nation for over a decade, Joseph D. Lento knows how important it is to mount the strongest defense because he understands that an international student's academic and professional future and Visa is on the line. 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 and New York, 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 to international students facing sexual misconduct investigations and disciplinary cases in Ohio and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
