When you sent your child to the University of Texas at Austin, you likely didn't expect that they'd ever face allegations of sexual misconduct. You and your student have worked hard to invest in their education - and their future.
Now, it seems that one alleged incident might cause all of your dreams for your child to crumble to the ground. After all, the University of Texas at Austin takes sexual misconduct very seriously. It traumatizes. It changes people's lives.
It could soon change your child's life by making their educational career much shorter than it should be. When your child faces these allegations, you need to work hard to protect your child's rights as soon as you possibly can. Doing so by working with a good student defense lawyer is the best thing you can do to protect your child's future.
The University of Texas at Austin and Recent Sexual Misconduct Policy Changes
In August of 2020, the Title IX Coordinator at the University of Texas at Austin sent out a letter to the academic community. The letter detailed the University's response to a recent national update to Title IX. Earlier in 2020, the federal government had notified public universities that Title IX would be changing slightly in scope. Universities all across the nation have responded by updating their Title IX and sexual misconduct policies. The University of Texas at Austin is no exception.
According to the letter, the University would observe a few key points and updates regarding its policies and processes regarding sexual misconduct. These updates include:
- Even though the new Title IX regulations may no longer address certain off-campus instances of sexual misconduct, the University of Texas at Austin will still address those allegations.
- From start to end, the University's sexual misconduct process will be no longer than 165 days.
- The University will allow parties involved in sexual misconduct to opt for informal resolution and restorative practices. Still, if the alleged misconduct was violent or severe, an informal resolution may not be an option.
- All non-confidential University employees (for example, those who are not doctors or therapists) must report any information they know about sexual misconduct.
Even though the legal processes regarding Title IX and sexual misconduct may have recently changed, the University of Texas at Austin remains committed to ensuring that its student community is safe.
Your School's Sexual Misconduct Policy: The University of Texas at Austin
According to the Prohibition of Sexual Assault, Interpersonal Violence, Stalking, Sexual Harassment, and Sex Discrimination chapter of the University's Handbook of Operating Procedures, the University of Texas at Austin prohibits the following conduct:
- Sexual assault - including rape and incest
- Interpersonal violence, including domestic and dating violence
- Stalking
- Sexual harassment
- The use of force with sexual intent
- Exploiting someone else's incapacitation with sexual intent
- Any sexual activity without consent
- Taking photographs of or recording intimate activities without consent
- Distributing that information without consent
- Exposing oneself without consent
As you can see, many actions could cause someone to file an allegation against your student. The moment you find out that your student faces these allegations, you need a lawyer experienced in these matters to assist you with building a strong defense.
What to Expect with Due Process at the University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin starts its conduct procedures and processes the moment that a member of its staff receives an allegation from one community member about another. Shortly after receipt, the University will schedule a meeting with the complainant (or the person making the allegation) to learn more about the alleged incident. From there, the University will, if the allegations are serious, launch into an investigation to understand what happened. If the Office of the Dean of Students finds that a violation of the University's policies occurred, they will propose appropriate sanctions.
From the first moment you found out that your student faced sexual misconduct allegations, you likely wondered what ramifications the allegations might have for your student's future.
The best place to find information about the penalties that your student may face is the University of Texas at Austin's code of conduct. According to it, your student might expect any of the following punitive measures for sexual misconduct:
- A written warning
- Probation
- Withholding of grades, a transcript, or a degree
- Suspension of privileges
- Suspension
- Expulsion
Of course, these actions (severe though they may already seem) represent just the start of what your student will experience. With an allegation of sexual misconduct on their permanent record, your student may find it very difficult to continue their education at the university (if they avoid expulsion). They may also have a hard time successfully applying for scholarships, financial aid, education elsewhere, or, ultimately, the job of their dreams.
An allegation of sexual misconduct now could hurt your child's future immeasurably. That makes it crucial that you act now to protect your child's rights. Hiring a top-tier Title IX and sexual misconduct advisor to guide you through due process and build a strong case for your student's innocence will be the best thing you can do for your child.
Work with Joseph D. Lento to Protect Your Student's Rights
When you find out that your student faces sexual misconduct allegations at the University of Texas at Austin, your initial reaction might be confusion. You might wonder what to do next. You'll need someone with expertise and experience to guide you through the process. With Joseph D. Lento, you'll have precisely what you need by your side. For years, Joseph D. Lento has worked tirelessly to assist students across the nation with strong cases in university sexual misconduct processes. Whether the University of Texas at Austin is adjudicating your child's case through an investigation or a hearing, Joseph D. Lento will be there to help you work towards a favorable outcome.
For more information, call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-555-3686 or contact us through our online form.
