Title IX of the Education Amendments is a federal law that prohibits sexual misconduct in federally funded academic institutions. Being accused of sexual assault, sexual harassment, rape, or any other form of sexual misconduct at Roberts Wesleyan 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 Roberts Wesleyan College's disciplinary process and why you need an attorney-advisor if you find yourself in this predicament.
Roberts Wesleyan College's Disciplinary Process
Under Title IX, Roberts Wesleyan College is required to adjudicate any cases of sexual misconduct brought to the institution's attention. The Department of Education urges compliant higher education 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 case with the utmost seriousness, and each party should follow suit.
Reporting Sexual Misconduct
Any individual may file a complaint of sexual misconduct at any time. Early reporting is encouraged to preserve information and inform victims of rights, options, and resources available to them according to Title IX.
A complainant can enlist the help of any of the following figures to make a report:
- Title IX Coordinator
- Campus Safety
- Law Enforcement
- Monroe County Sheriff's Office Victims Assistance
Response
The Title IX Coordinator will evaluate the complaint to determine if it is appropriate for further action to be taken. For sexual misconduct cases, the formal process of adjudication is typically utilized.
Investigation
An investigation team comprised of trained Title IX compliance personnel will convene as quickly as practicable. The investigation will find facts by interviewing the complainant, the respondent, and any relevant witnesses. After the investigation has concluded, the team will prepare a summary of each interview. Then, the team is responsible for determining if the respondent is “responsible” for violating Title IX policy based on the facts.
Appeals
The parties have equal opportunity to appeal the determination of the complaint. Requests for appeals of decisions must be made in writing to the Title IX Officer / Vice President for Student and Organizational Development within three business days of the written decision. Acceptable grounds for an appeal are limited to:
- The sanctions imposed are substantially disproportionate to the violation found to have been committed; and/or
- Procedural (s) that could significantly impact the outcome of a case.
New York Title IX Attorney
If you've been accused of sexual misconduct at Roberts Wesleyan College, you can anyone to be your advisor in the Title IX process. It would be in your best interest to choose 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.
