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.
Cairn University upholds a policy against any forms of sexual misconduct that occur within its student body. The policy and procedures set forth are located within the pages of the University's student handbook. The processes used for disciplining acts of sexual misconduct are similar to those used for standard disciplinary measures, however, certain special measures apply due to the nature of these allegations.
Cairn University Sexual Misconduct Disciplinary Process
When a report for sexual misconduct is filed against a student, Cairn University will begin its disciplinary process for resolving the incident. The student who who faces the allegations will be known simply as the "accused." The disciplinary process is overseen by the University's Office of Student Life, with special measures taken specific to Title IX Violations. The Dean of Students or a selected designee will meet with the students who are facing allegations. The University will attempt to assign an appropriate authority to enact discipline. For allegations of sexual misconduct, students are generally face harsher disciplinary measures and related consequences. It is up to the authority handling the case to decide upon the student's responsibility for the alleged acts, and the proper sanctions to be assigned when there is a finding of responsibility.
Decisions on what sanction will be assigned will be determined by the intentions of the accused, the severity of the conduct, and the accused student's disciplinary history. The accused student is able to present certain facts during their meetings with the authority, and the University will in theory make an effort to ensure fairness in determining the weight of all facts presented. The University's primary focus is to guide students through these situations and will rely less on an adversarial hearing process, and instead promote corrective actions and disciplinary growth, although accused students and their parents must understand that suspension or expulsion, in addition to related adverse consequences, are an often likely outcome when an accused student is found responsible for a Title IX violation.
Cairn University does not allow outside parties to participate in the disciplinary process, even for sexual misconduct allegations. Sexual misconduct allegations themselves are extremely serious, and as noted, often carry sanctions of suspension or expulsion for students. In addition, the reporting of these incidents can have consequences that follow a student throughout their academic and professional careers. For these reasons, it is critical for a student to seek an attorney's counsel from behind the scenes. An attorney can serve as a guide throughout the meetings with University authorities and provide insight on methods of negotiation, evidence presentation, and as necessary, suggested argument to support the accused student's claims in response to the allegations. Also, an attorney can ensure that a student's rights remain protected throughout the disciplinary process. Finally, should any adverse consequences follow the initial allegations at Cairn University, an attorney can serve as a student's legal guide through such circumstances.
Appeals at Cairn University
In the event of an unfavorable outcome, students are entitled to the University's appellate process. Appeals must be submitted within two (2) business days of the decision. The grounds for appeal are a disproportionate sanction, evidence that the student's rights were not accorded, new evidence for consideration, or a decision unsupported by evidence.
If you or your student is facing Title IX charges or allegations of sexual misconduct at Cairn University, contact LLF Law Firm today.
