In an effort to combat gender discrimination in higher education, Title IX of the Education Amendments was adopted. Gender discrimination is any action that denies opportunities, rewards, or privileges to a person (or group) solely because of their gender. It's perpetuated in numerous industries, and many believe it's rampant in higher education environments.
Title IX has been applied in a wide range of intercollegiate issues throughout the years, but recently, it's most commonly utilized in cases involving sexual misconduct. If you haven't been living under a rock the past couple years, you've heard that sexual misconduct is occurring at epidemic-like rates on college campuses.
According to federal law, sexual misconduct is a form of gender discrimination. Thus, when colleges are notified of an incident involving sexual misconduct, they are responsible for promptly and fairly adjudicating these cases.
Because of pressure from the general public, survivors, and federal entities, schools cannot afford to make the mistake of ignoring or mismanaging cases. Allegations will not be taken lightly, and the stigma these allegations carry will undoubtedly affect all aspects of your life. This is why it's critical for college professors who have been accused of sexual misconduct to seek strong and experienced legal counsel.
Do You Need Legal Representation?
Absolutely. The career damage suffered by professors, with or without tenure, can be devastating. While we at the Lento Law Firm believe wholeheartedly that sexual assault is unacceptable under any circumstance, we also believe that accused faculty members are entitled to civil rights and due process.
Many people are under the impression that schools are always fair and equitable institutions. But in reality, sometimes schools don't play by their own rules. In a swing of the pendulum, institutions that were once lax and arguably apathetic in their approach to adjudication are now aggressively pursuing complaints - all due to the Department of Education's letter that subtly threatened to strip funding in schools who ignored victims. Consequently, the repercussions for the falsely accused are life-altering. With the help of a seasoned Title IX defense attorney, college professors can keep their rights intact, hold the school accountable for any inequity, and achieve a fair and impartial trial.
South Dakota Title IX Advisor
Even the most competent school system isn't designed to play investigator, judge, jury, executor, and appellate court for sexual misconduct. Higher education institutions are bound to make mistakes that can cost innocent people their livelihood, reputation, and even freedom.
If you are a professor at a college or university and have been accused of sexual misconduct in South Dakota, it's imperative you retain legal counsel. Experienced Title IX defense attorney Joseph D. Lento has helped professionals in your predicament achieve true justice in what's been labeled a “flawed system” by both survivors and respondents. Contact the Lento Law Firm online or by phone at 888-535-3686.
South Dakota colleges and universities where Joseph D. Lento can help as a college professor's Title IX advisor during investigations, hearings, and appeals include, but are not limited to, the following schools:
- Augustana College
- Black Hills State University
- Colorado Technical University Sioux Falls
- Dakota State University
- Dakota Wesleyan University
- Globe University Sioux Falls
- Kilian Community College
- Lake Area Technical Institute
- Mitchell Technical Institute
- Mount Marty College
- National American University Ellsworth AFB Extension
- National American University Rapid City
- National American University Sioux Falls
- Northern State University
- Oglala Lakota College
- Presentation College
- Sinte Gleska University
- Sisseton Wahpeton College
- South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
- South Dakota State University
- Southeast Technical Institute
- University of Sioux Falls
- University of South Dakota
- Western Dakota Technical Institute
Title IX violations and Title IX charges can upend a college professor's career and life if not defended against properly and as early as possible during the disciplinary process, and Joseph D. Lento has more than 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 college professors facing disciplinary cases in South Dakota and throughout the nation. Make certain your interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
