Not many events can ruin your college experience like allegations of sexual misconduct. This damaging and highly stigmatized violation can ruin your reputation, make people question your character, and jeopardize your educational and professional goals. And despite how you feel about the allegations - whether you think they are fabricated or a complete misunderstanding - you will be required to undergo the school's Title IX processes.
Many students make the mistake of going through the motions during these procedures, and trust the school to find out the truth. However, the reality is, schools have more incentive to side with accusers (even though the claims may be untrue or exaggerated) due to pressure from the Department of Education and to avoid a lawsuit. Therefore, you will have to work incredibly hard to clear your name, and make sure your account of events is heard and considered. In order to properly defend yourself, it would benefit you to understand how Coppin State University will approach your case, the processes you will be required to undergo, and recognize the value of an attorney in these cases.
Title IX Process
Filing a complaint
This process is initiated when a report alleging the sexual misconduct is submitted to an institution. Within the duration of this process, there will be certain terms assigned to each party referenced in a report. The person who claims to have experienced the misconduct is known as a “complainant.” In some circumstances, schools have been known to fulfill the role of a complainant in cases. The person who has been accused of exhibiting such behavior is known as the “respondent.” Once a report has been file listing these terms and detailing the alleged misconduct, the process will proceed.
The investigation
The term “investigation” refers to the process the University will use to resolve sexual misconduct complaints. This includes an objective third party conducting interviews with a complainant, respondents and witnesses that known any relevant information. Once all the information is gathered, a finding that determines whether or not the conduct occurred and recommended sanctions (if appropriate) will be sent to the school's Provost and Vice President of the Academic Affairs.
Determination of appropriative action
Based on the preponderance of evidence, school authorities will determine if is more likely than not that a respondent violated school policy. If this is the case, sanctions will be imposed upon a respondent. If there isn't enough evidence to support that there was a violation of school policy, Title IX proceedings will cease.
Appeals
Respondents who are dissatisfied with a determination and/or sanction have the option of appealing a decision. They have approximately 10 days from a determination or sanction to file an appeal on the basis of reasonable grounds.
Title IX Advisor
State and federal law permits respondents to choose anyone they would like to be their advisor during school processes. Although you could select anyone, the benefits of allowing an attorney to occupy this position long outweigh the benefits of anyone else being your advisor. Remember, attorneys do most of things for a living that you will be doing throughout the courses of these processes (collecting facts, gathering witnesses, and presenting a final statement). Skilled attorney Joseph D. Lento has successfully guided students in your predicament to success. Contact him today for help.
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 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 students facing disciplinary cases in Maryland and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Joseph D. Lento can help
