Academic institutions such as colleges and universities must abide by federal guidelines that relate to civil rights to maintain much-needed funding. If a school receives an allegation that a student or staff member has acted inappropriately, such as by sexually harassing or assaulting someone, they are required to take corrective action. Title IX is a federal civil rights law mandating that schools investigate and impose penalties against those found to have violated the laws. Often those accused find that the administration facilitating the process will make a rush to judgment that has minimal consideration for their rights. The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) will consider conducting its own independent investigation if a complaint is made. The Lento Law Firm defends clients in these matters involving campus discipline and may be able to assist you.
Knox College in Galesburg Resolves Six Title IX Complaints
The president at Knox College, located roughly 40 miles outside of Peoria, announced that they have reached a resolution for a host of lingering complaints of alleged misconduct. The college, with a current enrollment of approximately 1,400 students, received a wave of complaints going back to 2014 that raised concerns regarding their compliance with Title IX guidelines. The release said the institution “recognized and took affirmative steps” such as by the addition of “confidential resources” and revising their training practices. Moving forward, these improvements should allow them to do a better job of properly “addressing reports of sexual misconduct”.
Title IX Violations in Illinois
The Code of Federal Regulations outlines specific provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX applies to schools in local districts, postsecondary education, charter schools and more. Other similar civil rights laws include:
- Title VI: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 regarding discrimination based on race, color, and origin
- Section 504: The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 regarding discrimination based on disabilities
- Title II: The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
- The Age Discrimination Act of 1975
School Investigation & Appeals Process
When the school has completed their internal investigation they will have a disciplinary hearing and explain their findings. If the student is found to have been in violation they may pursue an appeal or similar grievance process. Following an unsuccessful appeal, one potential course of action is to file an OCR complaint.
OCR Complaint Considerations
The results of a school's investigation can have potentially long-term negative consequences. Those seeking to file an effective OCR complaint should do so after a consultation with an experienced attorney. Having legal assistance will ensure that your rights and best interests are protected. A professionally written complaint is also much more likely to be effective.
Lawyer for Campus Misconduct Defense in Illinois
Often schools that are investigating allegations such as sexual misconduct do so in a hurried manner that is not diligent. Meanwhile, the accused party stands to potentially face sanctions such as suspension, expulsion, and more. Attorney Joseph D. Lento is a tireless advocate for those in need of student discipline defense. For a consultation contact the office at (888) 535-3686 today.
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Students and parents at times do not realize until after a finding of responsibility and the imposition of adverse sanctions that sexual misconduct allegations at college can result in severe consequences academically and professionally and in the short and long-term. The earlier the necessary steps are taken to address a Title IX case, the better, because these are cases that can be won at the school-level. There are times, however, that the help of the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights (DOE-OCR) is needed and Joseph D. Lento has a decade of experience passionately fighting for the futures of his clients at colleges and universities throughout the nation and has helped many clients seek recourse with the DOE-OCR. 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, who helps students in Illinois with DOE-OCR Title IX complaints, 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 Illinois and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
