Representatives in New Hampshire have put forth a bill that, if passed, would protect the rights of students or faculty members accused of sexual misconduct. Currently, students and faculty often face disciplinary action, including suspension, expulsion, and termination, when they are the alleged perpetrators of sexual misconduct.

Such actions may even be taken before the accused has a fair opportunity to defend their innocence. If you are accused of sexual misconduct on a college campus, you need legal counsel to ensure your due process rights are upheld. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team won't let your college or university presume your guilt and deprive you of your rights. Call us at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.

Colleges and Universities Addressing Sexual Assault Allegations

The newly proposed bill follows a series of legislation and protests regarding how sexual assaults are addressed on college campuses. Students and advocates frequently argue that schools are not doing enough to protect their safety and bring perpetrators to justice. A new law was passed in the state in 2020, its purpose being to combat sexual assault on college and university campuses.

All students have the right to feel and be safe on their college campuses. Colleges undoubtedly must do everything in their power to protect their students and appropriately address all allegations of sexual assault. In an attempt to achieve these critical missions, the rights of the accused may be overlooked.

The New Hampshire legislators proposing this bill are determined to protect the accused's legal rights. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and colleges must think twice before ruining the lives of their student or faculty members.

What Rights Does the New Bill Afford to Students and Faculty?

Under the proposed bill, students or faculty accused of sexual assault would be afforded around a dozen due process rights. These rights would include, but are not limited to:

• The presumption that no violation has occurred
• Representation by an advisor, advocate, or legal counsel
• Written notice at minimum seven days before the hearing
• A hearing with an impartial officer or panel
• The right to cross-examine witnesses
• Prohibition on taking final disciplinary action until the event there is an ongoing criminal case on the matter
• The right to appeal a final decision

How Does the Bill Differ from Current Policies?

Each New Hampshire college and university sets its own policies and procedures for addressing sexual assault disciplinary action. The bill would standardize the procedures and employ more extensive due process procedures than are currently in place in many New Hampshire schools, including the University of New Hampshire university system.

Retain the Lento Law Firm Today

When you are accused of sexual assault, your entire life, professional and personal, is on the line. Our Student Defense Team will ensure your college affords you your right to defend yourself and remind them that you are innocent until proven guilty. When facing such serious allegations, you don't have time to wait; call us today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.