Title IX, a federal law that prohibits gender-based discrimination in higher education institutions, is heavily enforced across campuses nationwide. It explicitly provides that “no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
Title IX and Sexual Assault
People often associated this law with gender equity in sports. When the law evolved it had an immense effect on intercollegiate athletics, leveling the playing field for women and girls who sought to receive athletic scholarships and widen their selection of sports to play. But recently, Title IX, in all its versatility, has been referenced for an entirely different reason. Sexual misconduct on college campuses has been a topic that is frequently addressed by news media outlets, legislators, and advocacy groups. According to Title IX, sexual misconduct in its many forms - sexual harassment, sexual assault etc. - falls under the realm of gender-based discrimination.
Federal laws have given schools permission to handle reports involving alleged crimes of this nature. This means schools have the authority to investigate, reprimand and even aid in convicting students who are found responsible of these crimes through Title IX processes. In cases when victims feel comfortable with turning to the criminal justice system, and prosecutors perceive a case as viable, accused students may even be subject to a criminal trial and conviction. Since this newfound pressure from state and federal agencies wave the threat of the loss of federal funding over some institutions' head, schools have been proactively approached these cases.
Choosing an Attorney as Your Title IX Advisor
However, a school's proactiveness may not stem from the need to carry out justice. Oftentimes, a school has its own best interests in mind when it chooses to aggressively approach these cases. Whether an institution wishes to get it over with quickly to keep a case under wraps or has any other hidden motivation, one or both parties may suffer from rushed processes. But the party that is slighted the most is the accused - a result that the creators of Title IX did not intend upon its enactment.
If you have been accused sexual misconduct, it is important that you make the best of your right to freely choose your advisor. Although you are permitted to choose anyone by federal law, hiring an attorney would be in your best interest. Doing so would send a message to the school that you're serious about protecting your rights, and that you wish to preserve your academic and professional future. The earlier you reach out to a legal professional, the higher the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
Experienced New Hampshire Title IX Advisor
Students accused of sexual assault have everything to lose, especially if they are accused of a crime they did not commit. If you are a student who has been accused of this offense, it is important to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty, despite how your peers, school administrators, staff, and society is treating you. Skilled New Hampshire Title IX Advisor Joseph D. Lento is here to help. Contact him today.
New Hampshire colleges and universities where Joseph D. Lento can help as your or your student's Title IX advisor during investigations, hearings, and appeals include, but are not limited to, the following schools:
- Chester College of New England
- Colby Sawyer College
- Daniel Webster College
- Dartmouth College
- Franklin Pierce University
- Granite State College
- Great Bay Community College
- Hesser College
- Keene State College
- Lakes Region Community College
- Lebanon College
- Manchester Community College
- Nashua Community College
- New England College
- New Hampshire Institute of Art
- NHTI Concord's Community College
- Northeast Catholic College
- Plymouth State University
- River Valley Community College
- Rivier College
- Saint Anselm College
- Southern New Hampshire University
- St. Joseph School of Nursing
- Thomas More College of Liberal Arts
- University of New Hampshire at Manchester
- University of New Hampshire Main Campus
- White Mountains Community College
Title IX violations and Title IX charges can change an accused student's life if not defended against properly and as early as possible during the disciplinary process, and Joseph D. Lento has nearly a decade of experience passionately fighting for the futures of his clients 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 Pennsylvania and New Jersey, is admitted as an attorney pro hac vice in state and federal court if needed when representing clients nationwide, and serves as a Title IX advisor and educational consultant to students facing disciplinary cases in New Hampshire and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
