In April of 2024, the Department of Education approved New Title IX rules, which are scheduled to take effect on August 1, 2024. Our firm is closely monitoring ongoing challenges to these new rules in court, and is working hard to provide you the most up-to-date information. Click here to learn about the current state of Title IX and how we can help if you are facing accusations.
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 argue it's become embedded in American culture.
In an effort to prevent gender discrimination on college and university campuses, Title IX of the Education Amendments was enforced. Because of this law, Vermont colleges and universities are obligated to promptly and fairly adjudicate cases involving any form of gender discrimination.
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.
In any and all of its variations, sexual misconduct falls under the realm of gender discrimination. Thus, when colleges receive word of an incident, they are supposed to conduct an investigation, determine responsibility, and (if applicable) enforce disciplinary actions and sanctions.
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.
Why Do You Need Legal Representation?
The career damage suffered by professors, with or without tenure, can be life-altering. 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.
Vermont 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 Vermont, 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.
Vermont 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:
- Bennington College
- Castleton State College
- Champlain College
- College of St Joseph
- Community College of Vermont
- Goddard College
- Green Mountain College
- Johnson State College
- Landmark College
- Lyndon State College
- Marlboro College
- Middlebury College
- Norwich University
- Saint Michael's College
- Southern Vermont College
- Sterling College
- University of Vermont
- Vermont Technical College
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 Vermont and throughout the nation. Make certain your interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
