In recent years, numerous Title IX officials across the country have been accused of disregarding fundamental due process protections for individuals falsely accused of misconduct. These lapses in fairness have given rise to disciplinary committees called "Kangaroo Courts," suggesting that committee members lack impartiality and do not complete their due diligence. There is a growing call for lawmakers to pass legislation revoking qualified immunity from campus Title IX personnel in response to these disturbing incidents.

The Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm represents students and university employees nationwide who have been accused of Title IX violations. Get skilled and experienced legal representation to ensure a fair proceeding and work toward the best possible outcome. Call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or reach out to us online.

Due Process Violations in Universities

Recent incidents highlight Title IX due process violations on college campuses and the subsequent call for legislative action. One such case unfolded at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, where a female resident sexually assaulted Associate Professor John Abraham. Although he reported the assault to school officials, they did not forward his complaint to the Title IX office, and no investigation ensued. Abraham was subsequently forced out of his faculty position before any inquiry occurred. Abraham sued, and a jury awarded him $11 million in compensation for financial losses and an additional $4 million in punitive damages.

Similarly, a student sued the University of Maryland, College Park, alleging bias in a Title IX disciplinary proceeding. The lead investigator, Jamie Brennan, a woman, had previously expressed biased views on social media, including that women were superior to men. The lawsuit highlighted numerous discrepancies in the investigation, where Brennan failed to ask crucial questions and disregarded inconsistencies in the stories.

The University of Tulsa, Oklahoma, presents another troubling example of Title IX impropriety. The Title IX coordinator made a video assuring accusers that they "will be believed," creating a clear bias against accused students. Subsequently, a sex discrimination lawsuit accused the same Title IX coordinator of restricting an accused student's access to evidence and treating him as guilty throughout the process.

A Disturbing Pattern

These incidents are not isolated occurrences. An analysis of 175 lawsuits favoring falsely accused students revealed a disturbing pattern of colleges failing to adhere to basic principles of fairness, often suggesting that gender bias was a motivating factor. In light of this pattern, some academics are calling for lawmakers to seriously consider the removal of qualified immunity for campus Title IX officials. Qualified immunity is a legal doctrine that shields officials from personal accountability when they violate a citizen's constitutional rights. An online petition, "End Qualified Immunity!" has already garnered nearly 130,000 signatures, indicating a groundswell of public support.

Talk to an Experienced Education Law Attorney

The Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm is ready to help students and university employees involved in Title IX cases find satisfactory resolution of the case. If you or your child is involved in a Title IX case, call the Education Law Team at Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online. We'll evaluate your case, educate you on your rights, ensure your voice is heard, and help you find the best possible solution.