Students who attend schools that focus on the arts are oftentimes extremely passionate about their major of choice, and the career they plan to pursue once they graduate. Most students spend many years fine-tuning their skills to ultimately be a force in their line of work. However, all the time that students have dedicated to their craft may be in vain if they have been accused of violating their school's Title IX guidelines. Mere accusations of these violations have hindered students from achieving these dreams by prolonging the time it takes to graduate, or completely preventing them from completing school altogether. This is why it's important for students to consult with an attorney who understands their school's processes and will guide them through these processes successfully.
Here is a step by step guide containing what to expect if your child is facing a Title IX violation at this college.
Corcoran College of Art & Design's Sexual Misconduct Policy
When it comes to allegations of sexual misconduct in any of its forms - sexual harassment, sexual assault, rape etc. - the Corcoran College of Arts & Design takes these cases incredibly seriously and adjudicates them through George Washington University's Title IX policies. There are serious consequences for sweeping reports of this misconduct under the rug, therefore, schools will approach these cases promptly and without hesitation. There are a number of processes that you will undergo as the accused, or a “respondent” of sexual misconduct allegations.
Whenever a complaint is filed, the process for resolving this incident is immediately initiated. This process begins with a thorough investigation launched by your school's Title IX coordinator.
Investigations
Your school's Title IX coordinator will be responsible for assigning a person to investigate your case. He or she will be tasked with the duty of meeting with both parties and getting both versions of their own prospective account of events. Once enough evidence has been garnered by an investigator, a hearing will be scheduled.
Hearings
The main goal of a hearing is for a panel member, which is comprised of students, staff, and faculty to determine the guilt or innocence of a respondent. During a hearing, each party has reserved the right to present evidence and witnesses that support their account of events, cross-examine each other and make a final statement regarding a case. After each side has been heard, the panel will deliberate and make a decision.
Title IX Advisor
If you or your child has been accused of violating Title IX regulations at your school, it's important that you understand what you are up against. And if you are contemplating whether or not an attorney will make a difference in the outcome of your case, the answer is yes. Hiring an attorney will maximize the likelihood of a favorable result in a school hearing. Skilled legal professional Joseph D. Lento has extensive experience successfully representing students who have been in your shoes. Contact him for help today.
Title IX violations and Title IX charges can change an accused student's life if not defended against properly and as early as possible during the disciplinary process, and Joseph D. Lento has nearly a decade of experience passionately fighting for the future of his clients at universities and colleges throughout the nation. 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 students facing disciplinary cases in Washington, D.C. and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Joseph D. Lento can help.
