In an explosive case recently surfacing out of KU and LSU, the potentially problematic ways in which academic institutions handle staff misconduct allegations are igniting public interest.

Les Miles, one of the head football coaches at KU, has recently left his post after new reports shed light on Miles's alleged problematic behavior in a previous coaching position. As KU and LSU, Miles's previous employer, learn more about what happened, it's become clear that LSU's Title IX and sexual misconduct reporting, investigation, and adjudication procedures were severely lacking.

One source went so far as to call LSU's handling of sexual misconduct complaints and allegations a ‘serious institutional failure.' The responsible campus personnel didn't fund investigations adequately, failed to put enough people on the problem, and ultimately left students at risk.

If you believe that your institution is mishandling your misconduct allegations, you need to take action. If your school steamrolls over your rights during a misconduct investigation, you could find yourself facing permanent consequences for your past actions.

Reporting Systems Built to Fail:

How This Could Impact Future Misconduct Procedures

LSU's Title IX and sexual misconduct reporting system was built to fail. According to the recently-surfaced reports, the school's related policies were unclear, the school didn't have any form of adequate training, and the Title IX office did not have nearly enough resources or independence to be effective.

One of the two reports that brought Les Miles' behavior to light included 18 recommendations for fixing LSU's reporting deficiencies. These recommendations include increasing Title IX staffing, making mandatory reporting responsibilities very clear, and holding frequent training (and increasing record-keeping).

The report also highlighted that the recent incident shouldn't have come as a surprise. LSU has received notices regarding its problematic practice in the past. The school's response to these notices was ‘lackluster,' according to the investigative report. This time, LSU's interim president promised that LSU would adopt each of the 18 noted recommendations. Among their quickly-turned-around actions was the creation of a new Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, along with increased support staff to handle complaints.

Even these immediate actions failed to completely satisfy student leaders and women who suffered abuse at LSU. There are those who now wonder whether LSU and KU will overcompensate to correct for their recent reporting and adjudication faux pas—making overly-punitive examples of the next staff members to commit misconduct as a result.

Joseph D. Lento Will Help You Navigate Frustrating and Unfair Misconduct Matters

If you're a staff member at an academic institution, all it takes is one allegation of misconduct to put your employment in severe jeopardy. However, if your school's conduct guidelines or misconduct adjudication policies are unclear, you might not even know how best to protect yourself. That's where Joseph D. Lento comes in.

Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm have unparalleled experience aggressively defending students and teachers who need a second chance. Contact the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 today for more information.