Each higher education institution in Connecticut has a Title IX policy that is applicable in cases involving sexual misconduct against faculty, students, and staff. This policy provides an abundance of information that addresses relevant information for both accusers and the accused when caught up in these allegations. Information regarding reporting procedures, resources for support and the processes that will ensue once an incident has been reported are in this policy. But one of the most important facets of Title IX is its promise for all parties involved to receive an advisor that is able to accompany them throughout their school's processes.
A person who is chosen to occupy the position as an advisor for an accused student is given the duty of providing support by assisting them through the grievance processes, investigations, and hearings. Although students can choose anyone, previous cases have shown that choosing a legal professional as an advisor will increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
If you have been accused of sexual assault at a Connecticut higher education institution and are contemplating choosing an advisor, here are some of the perks of hiring an attorney as an advisor:
A More Thorough Investigation
Attorneys who have prior experience undergoing trials have been exposed to the way investigators conduct efficient investigations. They themselves have also had to interview witnesses and gather relevant evidence pertaining to their client's case. These skills are especially handy in cases when a student is equipping to defend themselves in a hearing and have had no prior experiences doing so.
The investigation process is the most important part of a school's Title IX process. This is one of the only chances that a student will be able to collect evidence, find witnesses and draft a statement that supports their account of what occurred. With the help of an attorney, a student will be most likely be able to pinpoint the information needed to support his or her case and ask the right questions in order to receive this information.
Hold Higher Education Institutions Accountable
Each school's Title IX processes are located in its own respective code of conduct. This portion of the code of conduct details an overview of the steps of the process and how they will be carried out for all parties involved. Since students have access to this information, it is especially important for accused students to confirm that their school has been meticulously following their own rules and regulations that they enforce. Unfortunately, many students find that their institution is straying from the rules in its own code of conduct, but fail to do anything about it.
However, hiring an attorney as an advisor could deter a school from breaking its own rules. Most schools are aware that legal professionals are given the right to send a “litigation hold” letter to school authorities, notifying them that they could be sued if they continue to defy the rules they impose. The presence of an attorney on the side of the sends the school a message that he or she is serious about protecting the rights that they are entitled to during these processes.
Experienced Connecticut Title IX Advisor
If you are a student who has been accused of sexual assault in the state of Connecticut, you should immediately consult with an experienced professional to make them your advisor today. Title IX advisor Joseph D. Lento is dedicated to assisting you every step of the way. Contact him today.
Connecticut colleges and universities where Joseph D. Lento can help as your or your student's Title IX advisor during investigations, hearings, and appeals include, but are not limited to, the following schools:
State Universities:
- Eastern Connecticut State University
- Central Connecticut State University
- Southern Connecticut State University
- Western Connecticut State University
- University of Connecticut
State-Run Colleges:
- Asnuntuck Community College
- Capital Community College
- Charter Oak State College
- Gateway Community College
- Housatonic Community College
- Manchester Community College
- Middlesex Community College
- Naugatuck Valley Community College
- Northwestern Connecticut Community College
- Norwalk Community College
- Quinebaug Valley Community College
- Three Rivers Community College
- Tunxis Community College
Federal-Level Military Academy
- United States Coast Guard Academy – (exempt from Title IX and the Clery Act)
Private Colleges and Universities
- Albertus Magnus College
- Connecticut College
- Fairfield University
- Goodwin College
- Hartford Seminary
- Holy Apostles College and Seminary
- Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts
- Mitchell College
- New England Baptist College
- University of New Haven
- Paier College of Art
- Quinnipiac University
- Rensselaer at Hartford
- Sacred Heart University
- St. Vincent's College
- Trinity College
- University of Bridgeport
- University of Hartford
- University of Saint Joseph
- Wesleyan University
- Yale University
For-Profit Colleges
- Lincoln College of New England (formerly Briarwood College)
- Lincoln Technical Institute
- Post University
Title IX violations and Title IX charges can change an accused student's life if not defended against properly and as early as possible during the disciplinary process, and Joseph D. Lento has nearly 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 Pennsylvania 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 Connecticut and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
