In April of 2024, the Department of Education approved New Title IX rules, which are scheduled to take effect on August 1, 2024. Our firm is closely monitoring ongoing challenges to these new rules in court, and is working hard to provide you the most up-to-date information. Click here to learn about the current state of Title IX and how we can help if you are facing accusations.
Lebanon Valley College treats any and all incidents of sexual misconduct that arise within its student body very seriously. The College upholds a Sexual Misconduct Policy that outlines what behaviors constitute sexual misconduct, as well as what disciplinary actions will be taken by the College against the student. The disciplinary process used for sexual misconduct is similar to what is used for standard misconduct, however, certain measures will apply due to the nature of the allegations.
Lebanon Valley College Sexual Misconduct Process
The process for resolving sexual misconduct begins once a complaint is filed with a College official. Throughout the process, the student who files the complaint will be known as the "complainant," while the student that faces allegations will be known as the "respondent." The College will begin an investigation into the incident. The Title IX Coordinator will be responsible for assigning an investigator to the case. Investigations consist of meetings with the students, and a collection of a written statement. The investigator will decide if the case should move forward to the stage of formal charges from the College. If it is believed that they pose a threat to the College community, students may face an interim suspension imposed upon them.
If a case is to move forward to a hearing, a hearing board will be assembled for the adjudication of the case. At hearings, the hearing board will present the charges to the respondent. The respondent will then enter their response to accept or deny responsibility for the charges. After this, the complainant will make introductory remarks and present their case and supporting information and witnesses. They will be subject to questioning from the hearing board. The respondent will then make their introductory remarks and present their supporting evidence and witnesses. The respondent will also be questioned by the board as well. Following the respondent's questioning, both complainant and respondent will be given an opportunity to make final statements regarding their cases. The board will then close the hearing for deliberation.
At hearings, students are entitled to the presence of an advisor of their choosing. Due to the very serious nature of sexual misconduct allegations, students face consequences that may affect them throughout their entire lives. For this reason, students should select an attorney to serve as their advisor throughout the hearing process. An attorney will be able to ensure that a student's rights remain protected, and can help the student select strong and convincing evidence for the hearing. In addition, if any adverse consequences accompany the initial reporting of the allegations at Lebanon Valley College, an attorney can serve as a student's legal guide.
Appeals at Lebanon Valley College
In the event of an unfavorable hearing outcome, students are entitled to make an appeal. Appeals are to be submitted within five (5) business days by 4:30 PM on the 5th business day. The grounds for appeal are overly severe sanctions, procedural error, or new information.
If you or your student is facing sexual misconduct allegations or Title IX charges at Lebanon Valley College, contact attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
