Have you received a notification from the University of Washington that the school will be investigating you for sexual misconduct?
Whether this comes as a surprise or you had a suspicion that it could happen, it's likely a scary and frustrating time for you. It's important to realize that you need to work hard now, to make sure that this allegation and any resultant disciplinary ramifications don't wreak your future. While this allegation may seem inconsequential, particularly if it's the result of a misunderstanding or miscommunication, any note regarding sexual misconduct that makes it to your permanent record could make future opportunities very hard to get.
That's why we're here to make sure that you have all of the information you need to proceed. Let's start with an important definition.
What Is Title IX?
Part of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Title IX is a federal law that regulates the specific way that United States universities oversee sexual misconduct. Under Title IX, United States schools and educational institutions need to investigate and adjudicate sexual misconduct quickly. If they do not do so, they risk losing their funding.
Each presidential administration tends to issue new guidelines or interpretations governing how schools need to implement Title IX. To cover all instances of sexual misconduct, many schools have decided to create dual sexual misconduct procedures—one of which they update to meet Title IX regulations.
As a student undergoing a Title IX or sexual misconduct investigation at the University of Washington, Seattle campus, your experience will likely be the same regardless of the specific applicable policy.
What Are the Policies and Procedures Surrounding Sexual Misconduct at the University of Washington - Seattle Campus?
According to the University of Washington's Student Governance and Policies resource, the university will consider the following actions punishable:
- Unwanted touching
- Causing another person to touch themselves or another without consent
- Any unwanted penetration
- Distributing sensitive media (photos, videos, or other recordings) without the consent of everyone involved
- Any instances of sexual harassment, including unwelcome sexual advances, or any unwelcome requests for sexual activities
- Stalking, or acting in a way that causes another person to fear for their safety
This is not an exhaustive list of activities. Your school's Title IX Coordinator will help to determine which allegations the school will investigate and adjudicate.
What's at Stake in a Sexual Misconduct Adjudicative Process?
Once the university receives an allegation, the university will take time to investigate what has happened and initiate disciplinary proceedings. Depending on the severity of the allegation, this may include a formal hearing. During the hearing, you will have the opportunity to tell your side of the story. At the end of the hearing, the university will provide a recommendation for further action or punitive measures.
The punishments you face could include:
- A disciplinary reprimand
- A disciplinary probation
- Restitution
- Loss of privileges
- Suspension
- Dismissal
While these punitive measures may seem harsh enough, the true consequences could last the rest of your life. When you apply to future jobs and universities, the people in charge of these opportunities will learn about your sexual misconduct allegations - and, very likely, refuse to offer you admission or employment. You have to make sure that this doesn't happen to you.
You will have the opportunity to appeal any decisions that the University of Washington makes; however, the school does not recommend that you do so unless new information has come to light or you can demonstrate a procedural irregularity. In addition, you only get one chance to file an appeal, so you should definitely work with your attorney-advisor to make sure that you make the most of that chance.
Why do I need an attorney-advisor to help me through this time?
You may wonder if it's possible to just ‘go it alone' through all of this work. This isn't a great idea. Neither is it a good idea to accept the help of an advisor employed by your school. The University of Washington might offer you this type of deal, but you should turn it down. Your school's advisor will not have the targeted experience you need to be successful in this situation.
An experienced student defense attorney-advisor, on the other hand, will be able to help you with:
- Up-to-date information about Title IX. As we mentioned above, the interpretations and guidelines surrounding this federal regulation change from time to time. A professional in this field will be familiar with the most recent information.
- Working within your school's systems. School disciplinary investigations are unique. Your attorney-advisor will have the legal experience to work with your school's rules to present a successful defense.
- Making sure that your school protects your rights. Your school will naturally be more likely to take you seriously if you have a professional advisor on your side.
Rely on Joseph D. Lento to Help You with your University of Washington Title IX Case
Sexual misconduct changes the lives of everyone involved—including those falsely accused of these types of actions. If you're currently facing disciplinary action from your university because of a sexual misconduct charge, you likely feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or scared.
You may know what you need to do. You may have downloaded your school's code of conduct; you may have started to pull together evidence. Very quickly, you've realized that there's a lot that needs to happen…and it may not seem like you have much of a chance of success.
That's where we come in. Attorney Joseph D. Lento has spent years successfully defending students like you who need a second chance. He can help you dig through your school's confusing policies, put together a strong and persuasive defense, navigate your school's appeals process and more. When you need empathetic, efficient, and experienced support, call Joseph D. Lento to come to your aid.
Contact the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686, or use our online form to reach out today.
