Title IX and sexual misconduct disciplinary procedures can be daunting. They can frustrate, confuse, and even scare those who go through them.
If you've learned that you may be the subject of a sexual misconduct investigation at the University of Texas at Arlington, your first instinct might be to fear for your future. What's going to happen next? Do you have any chance of overturning this charge? Will the upcoming weeks have an undue effect on your future—and what should you be doing (or not doing) to make your situation better?
At the Lento Law Firm, we're ready to work hard to ensure that your future remains bright. However, we have to start now. Sexual misconduct and Title IX disciplinary cases can be very damaging to a young person's reputation—making quick, decisive action crucial for a favorable outcome.
What Is Title IX? A Brief Overview
Title IX is a federal civil rights law that seeks to make United States college campuses safer for all students. It does so by providing guidelines surrounding the investigations of sexual misconduct. Under Title IX, if a school that receives federal funding learns of an allegation of sexual misconduct, it must investigate that allegation quickly or risk losing that funding.
Title IX has been a law for decades. However, its interpretation tends to change on a semi-regular basis. The past two Presidential administrations have each taken action to influence the specific types of misconduct that fall under Title IX, as well as the ways that schools need to act during the investigative process.
Since Title IX and the way schools must implement it are continually in flux, many American universities have dual policies that govern their responses to general sexual misconduct as well as the actions that are more specifically punishable under Title IX.
Typically, schools will consider the following actions punishable:
- Dating Violence
- Domestic Violence
- Stalking
- Retaliation
- Sexual Exploitation
- Rape
- Incest
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Harassment
Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policies at the University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Arlington goes a little further in defining sexual misconduct, noting that any sexual activity that occurs without consent can merit an allegation of misconduct. The school's Title IX website notes that unwelcome touching, restriction of movement, explicit conversations, remarks of a sexual nature, and sexually suggestive visual displays can also receive attention from the university.
Once the school learns of an accusation of unsafe or lewd behavior, it will put together a committee to learn more about what happened. The University of Texas at Arlington provides two general routes for investigation and adjudication: Informal and formal processes. The first is focused on mediation, while the formal process will include examination of evidence and a hearing before a committee. The university will decide to pursue an informal or formal process based on the nature of the alleged misconduct.
In either case, as the accused in a sexual misconduct investigation, you do have several rights that you should be aware of.
Adjudication and Discipline in the University of Texas at Arlington Sexual Misconduct Cases
The university has put together a list of the rights due to all involved in a sexual misconduct proceeding—including both the accuser and the accused. These rights include:
- Access to medical, academic, and other support services during the investigation
- All relevant information coming out of the investigation, including if the alleged victim receives emergency care, notification of a complaint made against the alleged perpetrator, and timely notification of the result of the hearing
- The chance to participate in the grievance process, including the opportunity to identify any witnesses or provide relevant evidence
- The opportunity to have an advisor present
- The access to review all evidence that comes to light during the investigative process
- To appeal at the end of the process if desired
It is an excellent idea to review your rights during a Title IX or sexual misconduct case and keep them in mind. If the university does not act in a way that respects your rights during these proceedings, that could constitute a basis for an appeal of their decision against you.
At the end of the university's adjudicative process, they will recommend a punitive measure. This will depend on the nature of the allegations, but will likely include suspension, probation, or even expulsion.
However, even if you face expulsion, that consequence is far from the most impactful that you face as the accused party in a sexual misconduct proceeding. If the university makes a note on your transcript or in your permanent file that you were associated with a sexual misconduct investigation, that note could constitute a gigantic red flag against you. Any future employers or admission committees who see that note could decide not to hire or select you without any further thought.
You can't let that happen. You need to take care of this right away.
That's where we come in.
Joseph D. Lento is Ready to Help You Defend Your Reputation—And Your Future
The true costs and consequences of a college sexual misconduct or Title IX case against you can be steep. Regardless of the truth of the matter, if the University of Texas Arlington finds you responsible, the repercussions could follow you for the rest of your life.
At the Lento Law Firm, we don't want to see that happen. Joseph D. Lento will be able to help you work towards a favorable outcome. Whether you need assistance with the investigation, preparing for a hearing, putting together a persuasive appeal or any other part of your school's adjudicative process, Joseph D. Lento will be able to help you. He has helped hundreds of students nationwide to protect their futures.
Just give our office a call, and we'll set up a consultation so you can learn more about how we can help you. The number is 888-535-3686, or contact us online today.
