Chicago metropolitan area parents rely on schools to educate their student children, so they have a solid foundation to begin their careers and continue their studies further. In the journey toward becoming upstanding young adults, students are tested to their academic limits. K-12 grades, institutions of higher education, and other educational programs are charged by their core values and mission statements to uphold an atmosphere of academic and behavioral success while assisting students in their endeavors.
As the next generation of upstanding citizens, teenagers and young adults have a world of opportunities in front of them. However, sometimes the trials of adolescence thwart goal-oriented progress. At a time when students need positive reinforcement to get them back on track, school disciplinary boards aren't always empathetic. Unfortunately, conscientious students can land themselves in trouble with school officials and have their academic careers threatened.
Students risk unfair punishment when fast-paced grievance processes may not consider an individual's circumstances. Therefore, knowing that you or your child can retain professional help and ensure the path to success remains is essential. Student defense advisor Joseph D. Lento has paramount practice upholding students' rights against onerous disciplinary boards. He and his team at the Lento Law Firm recognize the subtleties of school disciplinary regulations and have unbridled compassion for students facing difficult situations.
Act first in defending yourself or your child by contacting student defense advisor Joseph D. Lento immediately. Don't let false, unfair, and unwarranted misconduct allegations derail an education into which you have invested your life.
Chicago Metropolitan Area
As one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States, the cities of Chicago, Naperville, and Elgin anchor a tri-state region hosting nearly ten million inhabitants. The Chicago area is home to several of the nation's leading research universities and other world-renowned education programs.
Although the rapid lifestyle and business-savvy hub may attract influential attorneys arguing in front of grand juries, few have the finesse required to settle misconduct allegations outside formal hearings. Student defense advisor Joseph D. Lento is exceptionally knowledgeable about what it takes to broker beneficial terms between his student client and a school's Office of General Counsel (OGC).
The Lento Law Firm is no stranger to clients living and attending school in the Chicago metropolitan area and its suburbs, including:
- Arlington Heights
- Aurora
- Bolingbrook
- Cicero
- Elgin
- Evanston
- Gary
- Kenosha
- Joliet
- Mount Prospect
- Naperville
- Oak Lawn
- Palatine
- Waukegan
Parents can trust that Joseph D. Lento and his student defense team are dedicated advocates for their child's academic future. Whether your middle school student child faces expulsion or you're a doctoral candidate disciplined for progression issues, the Lento Law Firm can help you.
Chicago Metropolitan Area Student Concerns
Out of the hundreds of schools, universities, and education programs in the Chicago metropolitan area, each presents unique situations for students to encounter. Adolescents are met with hardships relating to academic performance, peer relationships, and gaining the trust of teachers and school personnel, but also obstacles of which they are unaware.
Teachers, coaches, or school officials may have differing expectations for academic performance or behavior on campus that leave students puzzled on how to focus on their studies and remain in good standing with the school. Additionally, there is a multitude of federal funding streams K-12 programs and institutions of higher education receive, and with those come ancillary rules that are often buried deep in legal jargon and unavailable to students and their parents. Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm understand how to address these concerns to keep Chicago metropolitan students out of jeopardy.
Chicago Metropolitan Area Schools
Notwithstanding your grade or program level in the Chicago metropolitan area, premier student defense advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm can help. Trustworthy representation is provided for students at the following Chicago metropolitan area colleges and universities:
- Aurora University
- Benedictine University
- Chicago State University
- Concordia University Chicago
- DePaul University
- Governors State University
- Elmhurst University
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- Judson University
- Loyola University
- Midwestern University
- National University of Health Sciences
- Northeastern Illinois University
- Northern Illinois University
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois
Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm's student defense team are on hand to provide a successful defense to students in graduate, professional, religious, technical, military, medical, and specialty programs across the Chicago metropolitan area, including:
- Adler University
- Booth School of Business
- Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Chicago-Kent College of Law
- Chicago Theological Seminary
- DePaul University College of Law
- Erikson Institute
- Feinberg School of Medicine
- Illinois College of Optometry
- Loyola University School of Law
- Kellogg School of Management
- Kellstadt Graduate School of Business
- Lake Forest Graduate School of Management
- Liautaud Graduate School of Business
- McCormick Theological Seminary
- Northern Illinois University College of Law
- Northern Seminary
- Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
- Pritzker School of Medicine
- The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
- Toyota Technological Institute
- UIC College of Pharmacy
- UIC John Marshall Law School
- University of Chicago Law School
- University of Illinois College of Medicine
Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm's student defense team can also effectively defend students in K-12 programs in public school districts across the Chicago metropolitan area, including but not limited to:
- Aurora Public School District
- Chicago Public School District No. 299
- Elgin Public School District No. 23
- Evanston/Skokie School District No. 65
- Gary Community School Corporation
- Gary Independent School District
- Joliet Public Schools District No. 86
- Kenosha Unified School District
- Palatine Central Consolidated School District No. 15
- Mount Prospect School District No. 57
- Waukegan Community Unit School District No. 60
Students in private elementary and secondary schools across the Chicago metropolitan area can also retain the help of student defense advisor Joseph D. Lento and his team at the Lento Law Firm, including those attending:
- Adlai E. Stevenson High School District No. 125
- Barrington Community Unit School District No. 220
- Community High School District No. 128
- Consolidated High School District No. 230
- Elmhurst School District No. 205
- Evanston Township High School District No. 202
- Glenbard Township High School District No. 87
- Glenbrook High School District No. 225
- Grayslake Community High School District No. 127
- Hinsdale Township High School District No. 86
- Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204
- Lake Zurich Community Unit School District No. 95
- Lincoln-Way Community High School District No. 210
- Maine Township High School District No. 207
- Naperville Community Unit School District No. 203
- New Trier Township High School District No. 203
- Niles Township Community High School District No. 219
- St. Charles Community Unit School District No. 303
- Township High School District No. 214
Disciplinary Defense in the Chicago Metropolitan Area
The ways Chicago metropolitan area schools categorize misconduct varies. Generally, there are three types detailed in a school's code of conduct:
- Academic misconduct
- Non-academic misconduct
- Title IX and sexual misconduct
Schools are under pressure from the public and federal funding streams to keep their reputations clean. Therefore, disciplinary boards will swiftly seek out and address alleged misconduct. Sanctions handed down by school administration officials can severely harm your future, whether it's issues with plagiarism and disruptive action or a lack of progression and student housing violations. Nonetheless, you can expect Lento and his team to defend you under any circumstances, including those in the following areas.
Academic Progression Issues
Students must adhere to an institution's academic regulations to be eligible for federal funding and so a school can keep its accreditation. K-12 and higher education programs have strict rules on what constitutes satisfactory academic progress (SAP) and can happen if students fail to meet requirements.
For example, the University of Illinois outlines its minimum tolerances for cumulative grade point average (GPA), the number of credit hours attempted and passed, and the timeframe for graduation. Primary and secondary schools like Glenbrook High School District No. 225 also have requirements for students to graduate.
Students who fail to manage their academic progress risk disciplinary action like probation, suspension, and expulsion. Yet, schools sometimes misappropriate their policies and ignore a student's extenuating circumstances. Appealing academic reprimand is possible, but students don't have the experience to settle with a school's dean, principal, or academic advisor. Accordingly, Joseph D. Lento can represent you or your child or coach them to provide a solid argument to defeat academic discipline.
Academic Misconduct Issues
The keystone of any school or educational program is academic integrity. Academic integrity is a keystone of any educational program. The Erikson Institute, Aurora University, Maine Township High School District No. 207, and all other schools in the Chicago metropolitan area have codes of conduct prohibiting acts of dishonesty in the academic realm. These include but are not limited to:
- Cheating
- Computer Misuse
- Plagiarism
- Unauthorized collaboration
Academic dishonesty undermines the goal of teaching students and the actualization of knowledge through experience. Schools duly punish those who undermine academic policies, but disciplinary boards may overreact or sanction students based on dubious evidence.
Students responsible for academic misconduct face a downfall. Since disciplinary action remains on a student's record, the chance of obstacle-free admittance into educational programs is significantly hindered. To mitigate the ruination of your reputation and future, consult with Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm to defeat unfair academic misconduct charges.
Non-Academic Misconduct Issues
Schools have a responsibility to maintain a disciplined academic and social setting. While more severe infractions involving violence, illicit substances, and destruction of property lead to immediate suspension or expulsions, any act disrupting the learning atmosphere will reap punishment.
For example, Loyola University has policies prohibiting certain items and behaviors in all student housing. Students may land themselves in trouble if they:
- Change dorm room architecture or decorations
- Damage college furniture
- Engage in underage alcohol use
- Have pets in dormitories
- Operate a business in a dorm room or on school property
- Play loud music during quiet hours
- Smoke or vape on campus or at school-sponsored events
- Violate guest policy
Students may be reprimanded at any level for unnecessary disturbances. However, school disciplinary personnel mischaracterize students for alleged behaviors. Even when students act unconventionally, they may have a good excuse that nullifies the need for corrective action.
Nevertheless, behavioral or other non-academic misconduct charges can close the door to continuing education and beginning a career. Retain premier student defense advisor Joseph D. Lento to defend yourself against unfounded misconduct charges.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct
Federal Title IX regulations[RB1] compel schools accepting federal funding to monitor and manage sex and gender-based discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. Every school from elementary to graduate programs will have a Title IX coordinator overseeing the grievance process and its investigative, hearing, and sanctioning stages.
According to DePaul University's Title IX policy, the following are also violations:
- Coercion
- Dating violence
- Domestic violence
- Retaliation
- Stalking
- Solicitation
K-12 schools have Title IX regulations, as well. While they are similar to those at institutions of higher education, the process differs marginally. For example, Gary Independent School District, like all primary and secondary schools, have optional live hearings, and parents or guardians of the parties involved are privy to the process. Get assistance from Joseph D. Lento and the student defense team at the Lento Law Firm to have confidence on how to proceed if you or your child is caught up in the Title IX process.
Student Defense Advisor Value Proposition
Novice attorneys predictably start their defense of a student's situation by pressuring expensive lawsuits against the school. While a formal suit is a potential course of action to keep you or your student child intact with their studies, litigation is seldom required. Furthermore, competency in a court of law fails to translate to an effective defense in school administrative settings.
The goal for students and their supportive parents is prompt, private, negotiated relief from unfair disciplinary action, not ongoing legal procedures. Joseph D. Lento has repeatedly dealt with schools' OGC on behalf of the student and resolved matters outside disciplinary hearings to keep a student focused on their studies. Even if you cannot have representation present during the grievance process, the student defense team at the Lento Law Firm can bestow you with the knowledge and methods to defend yourself against severe punishments.
When you retain student defense advisor Joseph D. Lento, you're equipped with the most exemplary school discipline representation. Call 888-535-3686 today or visit the confidential online consultation form.
