If you're facing sexual misconduct accusations, you know that being the accused in a situation like that can be a confusing and overwhelming experience. Sexual misconduct changes the lives of all involved—permanently. In order to ensure that their students are safe, colleges across America have implemented sexual misconduct guidelines and policies that seek to reduce occurrences of assault, discrimination, and other unsafe behaviors. One such policy is Title IX.
A Brief Overview of Title IX and United States Schools
The United States government established Title IX, a federal civil rights law, to provide guidelines for all schools that receive federal money. Under Title IX, any such school must investigate and adjudicate all allegations of sexual misconduct in a timely manner or risk losing their funding.
In response to Title IX, most American universities have also established a Title IX policy, a sexual misconduct policy, or one larger policy overseeing all discrimination and misconduct. Title IX tends to receive updated interpretations or accompanying information from the government on a regular basis, so many universities have found it more effective to compartmentalize their policies.
In general, Title IX and/or college sexual misconduct policies prohibit the following actions:
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Harassment
- Incest
- Statutory Rape
- Relationship, Dating, or Domestic Violence
- Stalking
- Retaliation
- Sexual Exploitation
Walden University's Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policies
Walden University has a clear code of conduct that it uses to guide all matters of student discipline on campus. Once the university has received word of alleged prohibited behavior, the university will put together a committee to look for evidence. In order to proceed with a case of sexual misconduct, Walden will use a preponderance of the evidence.
This means that if there's a case against you, Walden only needs to show that your guilt is more likely than the alternative. While this is a policy that seemingly provides quick justice for the accuser and a swifter, easier trial for the school to manage, it puts those accused of sexual misconduct in an unfortunate position.
Walden's evidence-gathering process may include activities such as:
- Interviewing the complainant (or the accuser)
- Interviewing the respondent (or the alleged perpetrator)
- Interviewing any relevant witnesses
- Reviewing student records
- Reviewing any other relevant documents
Once the school completes its investigation, the school's Title IX Coordinator will present all findings to a leadership committee at Walden University. (This committee may include such persons as the Associate Dean, the Chief Academic Officer, or the Human Resources Director.) The committee will consider the evidence before them, consider the role of the accused and accusing parties, and then determine an appropriate disciplinary response. Walden will also take appropriate measures to protect the accuser from the accused during the investigative proceedings.
What Happens After a Walden Disciplinary Hearing?
Walden's code of conduct also makes it clear that both the complainant and the respondent have specific rights to help ensure that all parties receive a fair trial. For example, all parties can have an advisor or a support person of their choice during the investigative process—including any proceedings that might happen along the way. This means that with every document and every hearing that occurs, you and your advisor have a strategic chance to make your case.
Walden will ask you to tell you your side of the story; Walden will allow you the chance to respond in writing to allegations against you; and Walden will allow you the chance to appeal the decisions made against you if you have new information or can prove that the proceedings were unfair. The entire investigative and adjudicative process should last about 60 days—more, if you decide to file an appeal.
At the end of the process, Walden will recommend specific punitive measures against you. While they will tailor the punishment to fit the alleged crime, there are generally expected consequences. These may include:
- A change of course schedule
- A change in living accommodations
- Mandatory counseling
- Probation
- Suspension
- Expulsion
While these punishments may sound severe, they're merely the tip of the iceberg when compared to what these consequences could mean for your future.
For example, if you ever again apply to a scholarship, an internship, another academic program, or to a job after college, the deciding committees will ask to see your transcripts and files from Walden University. Whether you were innocent or guilty, many admissions committees and future employers will take one look at a note that associates you with sexual misconduct and walk away.
Ultimately, while a frustrating or even undeserved punishment from your university may last for a short time, the consequences of a sexual misconduct investigation against you could last for your entire life. You'll need to be proactive about framing your own narrative, fixing the damage done to your reputation, and even then, your future may not be as bright as you'd wished.
At the Lento Law Firm, we believe that's unacceptable. We're here to help you ensure that this trial is a blip on the radar - not a life-changing event that could destroy your future before it properly begins.
Call Joseph D. Lento for Help with Your Misconduct Proceedings at Walden University
You weren't planning on having to figure out sexual misconduct disciplinary procedures during your time at Walden University, but here you are. You might be getting worrisome letters from the school. You might feel like your friends, your favorite professors, and even your school have turned away from you. You might have no idea what you need to do - even though you know that you need to act fast.
At the Lento Law Firm, we're ready to work with you towards a favorable outcome, and we're ready to start right away. For years, Joseph D. Lento has worked tirelessly to ensure that students are able to have every opportunity they've worked hard to achieve. Now, he'll be able to guide you through your school's disciplinary procedures. He'll be able to assist you with a strategic defense. He'll be able to help you avoid a direct hit to your reputation. We can do all that for you, and more. Don't hesitate to reach out to the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or contact us online today.
