Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits gender-based discrimination in federally funded educational institutions and programs. This legislation has had a great impact on many of the schools in Arizona, including the state's colleges and universities.
Title IX forbids sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other discriminatory acts on college campuses. When a school receives a complaint involving sexual misconduct, this law requires the institution to take immediate action for resolution. If a student is found “responsible” for violating school policy, he or she has the right to appeal this decision and/or sanction, especially in cases where there's an argument that a finding may be unfair.
Your Right to Appeal
The right to appeal is among the most important rights for student respondents. It allows for students to challenge the decisions made by a school. The appellate process in schools vaguely resembles the process in the criminal justice system, but their intentions are the same. These processes are designed to keep authorities accountable for their decisions. A “responsible” Title IX finding carries serious repercussions, like suspension and expulsion. These are ramifications that can drastically impair a student's academic and professional goals. This is why it's crucial that the right decision, as far as possible, is made in Title IX processes.
Questions about your school's specific appellate process and your course of action in your unique case should be discussed with a student defense attorney. A legal professional can help you develop an effective appeal.
Grounds for an Appeal
In order to overcome an unfavorable Title IX finding, a student must submit an appeal that is based on specific grounds. These grounds must relate to procedural errors or mistakes made in the disciplinary process. This means it is not the time to further assert your innocence. Ultimately, the decision to appeal a determination and/or sanction boils down to how well you and your advisor can establish at least one of four grounds:
- A violation of due process rights: an institution stripped a student of their entitled rights under Title IX and school policy.
- New evidence available: evidence that supports the case of a respondent, and would have had a substantial impact on a case outcome became available after a hearing.
- Disproportionate sanction: the sanction(s) imposed are unduly disproportionate to the alleged violation.
- Procedural error: a vital mistake was made at some point in the disciplinary process, and it influenced the outcome of a determination and/or sanction.
Each college has its own unique content and submission guidelines. In order to identify important dates, deadlines and more, you should check your student handbook or code of conduct. If an appeal is not submitted in a timely manner or is not substantively eligible, the appeal may be denied.
Arizona Title IX Appeal Advisor
If you're attending an Arizona college or university, and are planning to appeal a case outcome, you need the help of a skilled student defense attorney. Attorney Joseph D. Lento has helped countless students in your situation overcome their allegations by submitting a compelling and effective appeal. He has the skill, expertise, and experience to do the same for you. Contact him online or give him a call at 888-535-3686 for further assistance.
- American Indian College of the Assemblies of God, Inc.
- Argosy University Phoenix
- Argosy University Phoenix Online Division
- Arizona Christian University
- Arizona College of Allied Health
- Arizona State University
- Arizona Western College
- Brown Mackie College Phoenix
- Brown Mackie College Tucson
- Central Arizona College
- Chamberlain College of Nursing Arizona
- Chandler/Gilbert Community College
- Cochise College
- Coconino Community College
- College America Flagstaff
- CollegeAmerica Phoenix
- Collins College
- DeVry University Arizona
- Dine College
- Eastern Arizona College
- Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott
- Estrella Mountain Community College
- Everest College Phoenix
- Everest College Phoenix
- Fortis College Phoenix
- GateWay Community College
- Glendale Community College
- Golf Academy of America Chandler
- Grand Canyon University
- International Baptist College
- ITT Technical Institute Phoenix
- ITT Technical Institute Phoenix West
- ITT Technical Institute Tempe
- ITT Technical Institute Tucson
- Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Scottsdale
- Mesa Community College
- Mohave Community College
- National Paralegal College
- Northcentral University Prescott
- Northern Arizona University
- Northland Pioneer College
- Paradise Valley Community College
- Phoenix College
- Pima Community College
- Prescott College
- Rio Salado College
- Sanford Brown College Phoenix
- Scottsdale Community College
- South Mountain Community College
- Southwest University of Visual Arts Tucson
- The Art Institute of Phoenix
- The Art Institute of Tucson
- Tohono O'Odham Community College
- University of Advancing Technology
- University of Arizona
- University of Phoenix Online Campus
- University of Phoenix Phoenix Hohokam Campus
- University of Phoenix Southern Arizona Campus
- Western International University
- Yavapai College
A Title IX finding of responsibility can change an accused student's life if not properly addressed and appealed, and Joseph D. Lento has a decade of experience passionately fighting for the futures 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 York and 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 Arizona and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
