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.
Title IX of the Education Amendments is a federal law that prohibits sexual misconduct in federally funded institutions. Being accused of sexual assault, sexual harassment, rape, or any other form of sexual misconduct at Purchase College is a Title IX violation that your school must resolve. If you are found “responsible” for this conduct, you could be exposed to pretty serious repercussions that could jeopardize your plans to graduate.
For the purposes of this article, we'll address Purchase College's disciplinary process and why you need an attorney-advisor if you find yourself in this predicament.
Purchase College's Disciplinary Process
According to Title IX, College is required to adjudicate any cases of sexual misconduct brought to the institution's attention. The Department of Education urges compliant institutions to respond to these accusations in a manner that is prompt and equitable. If the school fails to do so, its federal funding is at stake. Complainants (the reporter of the complaint) and especially respondents (the person accused of sexual misconduct) should understand that their school will approach their complaint with the utmost seriousness, and each party should follow suit.
Filing a Report
Students can file a report with the Title IX Office, Office of Community Standards or the University Police Department involving an alleged violation related to the sexual misconduct.
Fact-Finding Investigation
In cases related to sexual misconduct, a fact-finding inquiry will be conducted by the Title IX Coordinator. This phase will include interviews with accused students, complainants, respondents, witnesses, and anyone who may have information related to the alleged incident. The information gathered through the interviews will be documented.
The Hearing
A hearing will be convened where the matter will be reviewed and a determination of responsibility and sanctions, if applicable, will be made.
Appeals
All requests for a final appeal must be submitted in writing to the Title IX Coordinator or designee within five business days of the delivery of the written findings of the Hearing Panel. Either party may appeal, but appeals are limited to the following:
- A procedural or omission occurred that significantly impacted the outcome of the Hearing or the sanction imposed;
- New evidence, unknown or not reasonably available during the investigation or Hearing, that could substantially impact the original finding;
- Review of whether sanctions imposed are substantially disproportionate to the severity of the violation.
New York Title IX Attorney
If you've been accused of sexual misconduct at Purchase College, you can anyone to be your advisor in the Title IX process. It would be in your best interest to an attorney who can help you effectively navigate the process and build a solid defense for you. Contact attorney Joseph D. Lento today for help at 888-535-3686.
