Brown University takes matters of sexual misconduct extremely seriously. After all, the academic institution has a responsibility to protect each and every one of its students - and sexual misconduct can traumatize all that it involves.

Unfortunately, when your child is the one facing sexual misconduct allegations at Brown, it can feel like the university has dropped all intention of protecting them and their rights. Going through a disciplinary process for sexual misconduct can be a very scary and confusing process. Further, facing the potential consequences and having an allegation of sexual assault on your permanent records at Brown can make your child's future a lot more difficult than it needs to be.

Clearly, there's a lot at stake.

You need to step in now and work hard to protect your student's rights - and their future. Working with a smart, seasoned legal advisor is the best way to do so. When you find an experienced legal team to help, you can be sure that you're working towards a favorable outcome for your child.

Brown University and the Recent Title IX Updates

The Brown Daily Herald ran a piece in August of 2020 detailing Brown University's response to the Title IX updates from the federal government. Since the 2020 national Title IX updates narrowed the scope of sexual misconduct incidents regulated under Title IX, Brown University “is also in the process of developing a sexual and gender-based misconduct policy to address behavior that occurs outside of the new, narrower jurisdiction of Title IX.”

Until then, Brown is working to make sure that victims of sexual misconduct feel comfortable coming forward and pursuing restorative process. The Title IX Program Officer at Brown noted that the student body as a whole underreports these types of incidents. To better protect the entire academic community, Brown is working to encourage a more transparent atmosphere surrounding reports. Perhaps as a result of these measures, a recent survey found that “38.6% of Brown students are very or extremely knowledgeable about where to find help with issues related to sexual misconduct.”

The Sexual Misconduct Policies at Brown University

On the other hand, the same survey reports that “6.9% of students believe it is very or extremely likely that they will experience sexual assault or misconduct while enrolled at Brown.”

What constitutes sexual misconduct at your student's university? According to the existing policy, Brown prohibits the following actions:

• Unwelcome sexual invitations or solicitations
• Unwelcome sexual expressions or threats
• Sexually suggestive videotapes or recordings sent to people without consent
• Inappropriate touching
• Rape
• Any sexual contact without consent
• Sexual contact with a minor

As you can see, there are many actions that Brown could adjudicate under their sexual misconduct policy. If your child faces these allegations, you need to work with a legal advisor who has experience with these specific types of cases. They'll know how best to build a strong case for your child's innocence.

Brown University's Student Conflicts and Community Standards resource sheds light on the general provisions for disciplinary procedures. Your student may experience:

• Informal resolution
• A formal hearing in front of a panel of staff members
• A formal sexual misconduct investigation
• Closed mediation

They may also experience any combination of the above, as deemed appropriate by Brown University. Your student has rights during this process, which include the right to timely notification of their charges and changes in the way the university plans to adjudicate their case; the right to confidentiality regarding their case; the right to a fair, unbiased hearing; and the right to appeal any decisions that Brown University makes, should they disagree with Brown's findings.

Of course, just because your student has these rights does not mean that Brown University will observe them correctly. This is why it's crucial to have a legal expert on your side to help keep Brown accountable to your student.

Brown University's Code of Conduct: Academic Penalties

You're likely wondering just what consequences your child can expect at the end of this process. The university can recommend a wide range of punitive measures, depending upon the severity of the incident at hand.

The full list of these penalties is in your student's code of conduct. According to the section of the Brown Code of Conduct entitled “Administrative Response Options,” your child could expect any of the following actions:

• Mediation
• A Restorative Circle (wherein a trained facilitator comes in to facilitate healing dialogue between all involved parties)
• A Warning Letter
• A Dean's Conference
• A Student Group Review Administrative Meeting
• A Restorative Board Hearing

As a result of these discussions, Brown may recommend further action.

These ramifications likely already seem like a lot to handle, but they're not all that your student will have to face if Brown University finds your student guilty of the alleged incident. With sexual misconduct on their permanent record, your student may have a hard time applying to future academic opportunities, scholarships, and - later - even getting the job of their dreams.

In other words, your student's bright future could get cut short by this.

You can't let that happen. Work today to find a dedicated Title IX and sexual misconduct lawyer to assist with your child's case.

LLF Law Firm: A Student Defense and Sexual Misconduct Advisement Team Ready to Help You 

When your student faces sexual misconduct allegations at Brown University, your whole family likely feels wary about the future - and concerned about what the next days may hold. With an experienced legal advisor by your side to guide you through due process, investigations, adjudication by hearing, and everything else that Brown University's sexual misconduct procedures promise, you will find everything less overwhelming. LLF Law Firm is a clever, capable Title IX and sexual misconduct legal advisory team that has successfully handled hundreds of these types of cases at colleges across the nation. For years, they have worked aggressively to build strong cases and represent students as defense experts. No matter what Brown University has in store for your child, LLF Law Firm can help. For more information, call the LLF Law Firm today at 888-555-3686 or contact us through our online form.