Whether you're a tenured professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a coach at Creighton University, or another sort of college employee elsewhere in the Cornhusker State, you must be aware of Title IX. This federal amendment can have devastating consequences for those accused of sexual misconduct or other wrongdoing.
All federally-funded colleges and universities in Nebraska abide by Title IX, including both private and public universities. If you've been accused of qualifying misconduct, you should reasonably expect to undergo the Title IX disciplinary process.
This process is generally stressful and perilous, as a single word or phrase could make you appear responsible for misconduct—even if you're not. Title IX advisor Joseph D. Lento can protect you throughout this process, starting now.
What College Employees in Nebraska Must Know About Title IX
Title IX is a federal statute implemented in 1972. Though the statute is subject to change and has evolved several times over the years, it generally focuses on sex- and gender-based discrimination, harassment, and misconduct.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) notes that Title IX specifically prohibits:
- Making determinations about financial aid or other services based on someone's sex or gender
- Subjecting individuals to differing rules, prohibitions, or sanctions based on sex, gender, or other characteristics
- Making tuition- or housing-based decisions on the basis of sex
- Engaging in any other form of sex-based discrimination
Title IX also generally applies to sexual harassment and more overt forms of sexual misconduct, like unwanted touching, sexual advances, and rape.
While Title IX generally applies to all college and university employees in Nebraska, your position may dictate which offenses you're most likely to be accused of. A member of an admissions board may be more likely to face accusations of discrimination against applicants, while a coach may be more likely to be accused of sexual harassment—though there are no rigid rules about who can be accused of what.
Administrators, professors, coaches, service professionals, and all other university employees in Nebraska must give an alleged Title IX violation their full attention. Hiring an experienced Title IX advisor is the very least you can do to defend yourself, and your rights, from looming threats.
What Are the Potential Consequences of a Title IX Misconduct Allegation?
You may have heard whispers about Title IX-related allegations crippling colleagues' careers and reputations, but it is difficult to truly comprehend these consequences unless you've lived them. Our firm's mission will be to ensure that you don't have to live with these consequences, which may include:
- The loss of your professional progress to date: Not only will you likely be fired if you're found responsible for a Title IX violation, but you may also essentially lose the professional cache you've built to date. This is particularly true if news of your Title IX violation reaches social media or other public channels. Future employers may be afraid to hire you, and you could find securing comparable employment nearly impossible.
- Stigma: If friends, family, or colleagues find out about your firing and related Title IX case, they may judge you harshly. Such stigma could fray personal relationships, sever professional ties, and negatively affect many aspects of your life.
- Diminished earning power: If you lose your current job and can't secure similar employment, you may earn significantly less than you currently do. This may cause serious financial problems and the troubles that often accompany financial hardship.
- Personal problems: You are human, and you can't reasonably expect to weather an unfavorable Title IX ruling without developing scars. From mental health struggles like depression to fractures in your support network, we've seen these cases take a serious toll on those who endure them.
No college employee is immune from these potential consequences. From the most tenured professor to the highest-ranking staff member and winningest coach, Title IX should be universally regarded with rightful wariness.
A Title IX advisor from the Lento Law Firm has handled cases like yours before. We will work hard to secure a resolution as quickly as possible but are prepared to exhaust all available avenues to clear your name.
What to Expect From the Title IX Disciplinary Process
Our team can represent you through every step of the Title IX disciplinary process, which generally includes:
- The dismissal or advancement of your case: Your university's Title IX Coordinator has outsized influence over your case. If the Coordinator decides that your case has merit, they have the power to initiate a formal investigation. They may also dismiss your case outright.
- An investigation and formal report: Once the investigator has gathered the facts and evidence they deem adequate, they'll file a report of their findings.
- A hearing: Once you've had a chance to request corrections to the investigator's report, you may appear for a hearing. Your advisor can lead most of this process, from examining witnesses to presenting evidence. You may need to make opening and closing remarks on your own.
- An appeal: If the hearing panel issues a ruling against you, then your advisor can issue a prompt appeal.
If it comes to it, our team can explain what actions we'll take following an appeal. If your employer moves forward with sanctions against you even after an appeal, we may have several options for fighting their decision.
Why Hiring a Title IX Advisor From the Lento Law Firm Is Best Practice for All Nebraska College Employees Accused of Wrongdoing
It is not enough to hire a local defense attorney when dealing with a Title IX allegation. Title IX statutes are constantly under debate, and their fluid nature makes it critical that you hire a firm well-versed in Title IX defense.
The Lento Law Firm specializes in defending college employees facing sanctions for Title IX violations. Let us fight for you. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or provide your case details on our website.
