There are currently 66 colleges and universities in Louisiana. Enrollment at the postsecondary level is estimated at 175,000. These and the majority of U.S. educational institutions must comply with federal Title IX guidelines. Title IX was established by the U.S. Department of Education in 1972. The purpose was to address problems with sexually-based discrimination in the educational environment.
Schools are required to create and maintain written policies and procedures that outline how complaints of sexual discrimination are managed. Enforcement is the central responsibility of the Office of Civil Rights (OCR). Schools that fail to comply with Title IX guidelines may no longer be eligible for critical educational funding.
Potential Violations
Sexual harassment may occur among students, faculty, visitors, and others associated with educational institutions. Examples include appeals for sexual favors, unwanted advances, and other acts that are verbal, nonverbal or physical.
Acts of sexual violence such as rape and coercion are physical and committed against the will of the victim. This may apply in situations where a victim is unable or incapable of giving consent. Examples include victims that are heavily intoxicated, mentally disabled or those too young to legally consent to participate in sexual activity.
Harassment may also involve stereotyping and taunting that is gender-based. Schools are responsible for maintaining an educational environment that is free of hostility for all students.
LGBTQ Students & Title IX
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning or queer students comprise roughly 10% of the current U.S. undergraduate student population. Based on false characterizations and old stereotypes, many LGBTQ students that are accused of sexual misconduct feel that they may not be treated equitably. Here, it is strongly suggested that you retain experienced legal counsel to act in an advisory role.
Title IX Procedures
Schools are given considerable flexibility when creating their processes. The following is an overview:
- The school will designate a Title IX Coordinator that will establish various ways that a complaint may be filed
- When a complaint or grievance is received, the administration should respond promptly
- Respondents are entitled to sufficient time to respond to allegations and all evidence against them is fully disclosed
- Emphasis is placed on avoiding any conflicts of interest and maintaining fairness
- Many schools summon all parties to a hearing
- Parties are generally permitted to choose an advisor that will support and assist them to some extent
- Many institutions encourage the parties to reach an amicable resolution through mediation
Evidentiary Standards and Potential Sanctions
The traditional standard used for proving allegations is by a preponderance of the evidence. A clear and convincing evidentiary standard is also an option. The institution's written guidelines will contain the potential sanctions that may be imposed. These typically include suspension or expulsion from the school.
How an Attorney Can Help
Having an attorney serve as your advisor brings a host of potential benefits. One critical benefit is that your attorney can assist you in drafting concise and effective statements. Further preparation will ensure you are prepared to confidently respond to the questions you will likely be asked. An experienced attorney will also protect an accused student's interests through all stages of the proceedings including during the investigation, if a hearing is convened, and if an appeal becomes necessary.
Experienced Attorney Serves as an Advisor for Students in Louisiana in Title IX Disciplinary Matters
Are you a student that is faced with allegations of violating Title IX at a school in Maryland? It is recommended that you obtain support from a lawyer that is well-versed in these actions. Promptly contact the Lento Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 for assistance.
Louisiana colleges and universities where Joseph D. Lento can help as your or your gay or lesbian student's Title IX advisor during investigations, hearings, and appeals include, but are not limited to, the following schools
- Acadiana Technical College Lafayette Campus
- Baton Rouge College
- Baton Rouge Community College
- Blue Cliff College Alexandria
- Blue Cliff College Houma
- Blue Cliff College Metairie
- Blue Cliff College Shreveport
- Bossier Parish Community College
- Capital Area Technical College Baton Rouge Campus
- Career Technical College Shreveport
- Centenary College of Louisiana
- Central Louisiana Technical College Alexandria Campus
- Court Reporting Institute of Louisiana
- Delgado Community College
- Delta School of Business and Technology
- Dillard University
- Grambling State University
- Herzing University Kenner
- ITT Technical Institute Baton Rouge
- ITT Technical Institute Saint Rose
- L E Fletcher Technical Community College
- Louisiana College
- Louisiana Delta Community College Monroe Campus
- Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
- Louisiana State University Eunice
- Louisiana State University Alexandria
- Louisiana State University Shreveport
- Louisiana Tech University
- Loyola University New Orleans
- McCann School of Business & Technology Monroe
- McNeese State University
- Medvance Institute Baton Rouge
- Nicholls State University
- Northeast Louisiana Technical College Delta Ouachita Campus
- Northshore Technical Community College
- Northwest Louisiana Technical College
- Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Nunez Community College
- Our Lady of Holy Cross College
- Our Lady of the Lake College
- Remington College Baton Rouge Campus
- Remington College Lafayette Campus
- Remington College Shreveport Campus
- River Parishes Community College
- Saint Joseph Seminary College
- South Central Louisiana Technical College Young Memorial Campus
- South Louisiana Community College
- Southeastern Louisiana University
- Southern University and A & M College
- Southern University at New Orleans
- Southern University at Shreveport
- Sowela Technical Community College
- Tulane University of Louisiana
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- University of Louisiana Monroe
- University of New Orleans
- University of Phoenix Baton Rouge
- University of Phoenix Lafayette
- University of Phoenix Louisiana Campus
- University of Phoenix Shreveport Bossier
- Virginia College
- Xavier University of Louisiana
Approximately 10% of college students in the United States identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, or questioning according to studies and LGBTQ+ students should not feel alone when accused of sexual misconduct. As importantly, they should they not face such burdens alone or without the necessary support and guidance.
The reason LGBTQ+ students should not go through the Title IX process alone is because, as with all students accused of sexual misconduct, Title IX allegations and charges can change an accused student's life if not defended against properly and as early as possible during the disciplinary process. It is critical to have a dedicated and experienced advocate when facing a challenge in life and Joseph D. Lento has more than a decade of experience passionately fighting for the future of LGBTQ+ students 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 and serves as a Title IX advisor to students facing Title IX and disciplinary cases in Louisiana and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today at 888-535-3686.
