In response to a Title IX complaint brought under the sexual misconduct adjudication process at your school, respondents may be asked to submit a written statement. This statement will be your first opportunity to address the allegations made by a complainant. It will also be referenced in key parts of the resolution process - the investigation and hearing - so it should be well thought out and written clearly. Your recollection of events, the context of these events, as well as your reflections regarding the incident should be included in this statement. Overall, it should contain as much detail as possible about the facts surrounding your account of the alleged sexual misconduct.

In order to ensure your statement is written in the best way possible, you should contact an attorney. He or she will be able to give you insight as to the important things to include, and the facts that make your defense strong. But for the purposes of this article, I'll include some additional tips to consider when writing your statement:

Describe events in full detail. This is not the time for you to leave anything out. It's important that you relay in full the facts of the incident exactly as you recall them. One mistake that many respondents make when filling out their statement is that they illustrate this incredibly descriptive incident using information outside of their personal experience. Perhaps, a friend commented that the complainant had a bad attitude the whole night, but you don't seem to remember picking up on that detail. Regardless of how miniscule a detail from another person may seem, only include what you heard, saw, and experienced first-hand in your statement.

Describe the context. Context is important and helps the school understand the situation better. In your statement, you should include your perception of the event, the complainant's conduct, and more information about the circumstances in which the alleged incident occurred. Details about the incident, including the date, the time of day, the atmosphere, any recollection of the use of drugs or alcohol and any witnesses that can attest to your account of events are worth mentioning.

Reflect on the event. Based on your perception of what occurred, you should provide a conclusion that you have drawn about the alleged incident. If you believe that the interaction between you and the complainant was consensual and you've been falsely accused, you'd state this. If you believe that the action you've been accused of committing doesn't constitute as a violation of Title IX policy, you'd also state this. Be completely absolute in your statement by leaving little room for interpretation. Communicate your account of events and assertions in a way that is straightforward, concise, and simple.

Title IX Attorney Helping Clients Nationwide

If you've been accused of committing a Title IX violation at your school, you need the help of an experienced Title IX Advisor. National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento has the skills and expertise to help you prevail in school proceedings. Contact him online or give him a call at 855-535-3686 for assistance.