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.
Millersville University of Pennsylvania oversees all instances of Sexual Misconduct using its Title IX Policy. The Title IX Policy is upheld by the University's Title IX Coordinator. Sexual misconduct violations are taken very seriously under this policy, and will be disciplined using a different system than what the University uses for standard Code of Conduct violations.
Title IX Policy at Millersville University
The University's Title IX policy begins when a complaint is filed against another student for sexual misconduct. The person who initiates the complaint is known as the "complainant," while the subject of the complaint is known as the "respondent." When a respondent faces Title IX charges, they may be subjected to certain interim measures. This can include rescheduling of classes, temporary relocation or even prevention from contacting the complainant at all; interim suspensions will also be imposed in certain instances.
Informal Complaints
Complainants may begin the process with an Informal Complaint. There is no investigation for an informal complaint. The overall goal is to attempt to resolve the situation without further disciplinary action being taken. The process will follow a series of brief meetings. The Title IX Coordinator may decide if the informal process is necessary, but may also initiate the the formal complaint process if the alleged conduct is deemed serious enough. The complainant may also decide to proceed via a formal complaint at any time during the informal process.
Formal Complaints
Formal Complaints will require a full investigation handled by Title IX Coordinator and a designated representative. The Investigative Team will interview both parties involved, separately. Both parties may suggest evidence and witnesses to be included in the investigation at these meetings, and the Investigation Team will follow up with these leads. Finally, after all relevant information has been considered, the Investigation Team will prepare a report of the investigation and make a decision. The standard used for decision making will be "a preponderance of evidence."
Students are entitled to the presence of an advisor at their meetings. Title IX allegations are taken incredibly seriously by the University, and students who face these allegations have their academic and professional careers placed in serious jeopardy. For this reason, it is of utmost importance that students select an attorney to serve as their advisor throughout the process. Knowledge of evidence and argument can be a great benefit to students throughout the investigative process. In addition, an attorney will be able to ensure that students have their rights protected throughout the process, and can even help the student through any adverse consequences that may stem from the initial complaint at Millersville University.
Title IX Appeals at Millersville University
In the event of an unfavorable outcome, students are entitled to make an appeal to the University for a review of the outcome. Appeals must be made within five (5) business days of the outcome. There are no specific grounds for an appeal, but it should clearly state what the reasoning is and have a proposed course of action.
If you or your student is facing allegations of sexual misconduct or Title IX charges at Millersville University, contact the LLF Law Firm today.
