Title IX of the Education Amendments is a federal law that prohibits sexual misconduct in federally funded colleges and universities. Being accused of sexual assault, sexual harassment, rape, or any other form of sexual misconduct at the Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology is a Title IX violation that your school must resolve. If you are found “responsible” for this conduct, you could be exposed to pretty serious repercussions that could jeopardize your plans to graduate.
For the purposes of this article, we'll address Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology's disciplinary process and why you need an attorney-advisor if you find yourself in this predicament.
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology's Disciplinary Process
According to Title IX, the Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology is required to adjudicate any cases of sexual misconduct brought to the institution's attention. The Department of Education urges compliant higher education institutions to respond to these accusations in a manner that is prompt and equitable. If the school fails to do so, its federal funding is at stake. Complainants (the reporter of the complaint) and especially respondents (the person accused of sexual misconduct) should understand that their school will approach their case with the utmost seriousness, and each party should follow suit.
Initial Meeting
The Title IX Coordinator will contact the complainant in writing to schedule an initial meeting. At this meeting, the Coordinator will discuss confidentiality standards and concerns, discuss potential interim measures, and explain the steps involved in a formal Title IX investigation.
In this meeting, the Coordinator will also make a determination as to whether a formal Title IX investigation is warranted to resolve the case.
The Investigation
The Title IX Coordinator will appoint an investigator or an investigative team who has specific training and experience investigating allegations of sexual misconduct. The investigation may include, but is not limited to, conducting interviews of all parties involved, reviewing a law enforcement investigation document, reviewing student and personnel files, and gathering, examining, and preserving other relevant documents.
At the end of the investigation, the investigator will comprise a written, neutral summary of the facts.
Adjudication
A hearing officer will assess the investigator's report and determine, by a preponderance of evidence, if the respondent if “responsible” or not responsible for the alleged sexual misconduct in a conduct review meeting.
Appeals
Both parties may appeal the determination of the final outcome letter. There are three grounds for appeal:
- The original conduct review meeting was inconsistent with the established procedures
- Evidence is now available that could not have been obtained at the time of the conduct review meeting; or
- The sanction is excessive, inconsistent or insufficient with the nature of the offense.
New York Title IX Attorney
If you've been accused of sexual misconduct at the Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, you can choose anyone to be your advisor in the Title IX process. It would be in your best interest to choose an attorney who can help you effectively navigate the process and build a solid defense for you. Contact attorney Joseph D. Lento today for help at 888-535-3686.
