Colleges and universities are required to investigate allegations that a student has violated federal Title IX guidelines. The campus administrators take these violations, such as those involving sexual misconduct, seriously. A campus disciplinary hearing is one key step in the disciplinary process where the accused will have an opportunity to refute these claims. The designated campus staff is supposed to ensure the rights of all parties are protected; however, sometimes those accused find that this does not occur. The sanctions and penalties that may potentially be imposed can be harsh. Students facing such allegations should strongly consider consulting with legal counsel. Joseph D. Lento is a seasoned attorney that will aggressively defend the accused.
What is Title IX?
Educational institutions that fail to properly comply with Title IX may risk losing access to federal education funds. Incidents reported that involve sexual harassment, assault, or other related forms of misconduct are to be promptly investigated by designated members of the campus administration. If their investigation reveals that the allegations have merit, the institution will begin their established disciplinary procedures. Federal oversight of Title IX is conducted by the Office for Civil Rights--a part of the U.S. Department of Education.
Title IX Procedural Expectations
Colleges and universities have some latitude in how they structure their Title IX disciplinary process. There are some guidelines that must be adhered to as follows:
- Policies are to be implemented in writing and accessible to all students
- Guidelines pertain to allegations of sexually-based misconduct against students, staff, and others on the campus
- Parties may submit evidence and witness testimony
- The process must be conducted in a “reasonably prompt time frame”
- All parties must be formally notified of rulings concurrently
Potential Sanctions & Penalties
All potential sanctions that a school may impose are documented in their annual safety report. Common sanctions include imposing a disciplinary probation period, a suspension, or dismissal from the university.
Consulting With an Attorney
Students faced with allegations of violating Title IX should consult with a lawyer that is active within this area of practice. Preparation in these matters is extremely important. Your attorney will assess the specific details and devise a comprehensive strategy. This may include gathering evidence that supports your defense such as from witnesses or compiling expert testimony. This preparation will largely focus on drafting impactful statements and responses to the questions that are likely to be asked at the hearing.
Role of Attorney in the Hearing
It is your attorney's job to be sure you are properly organized. Your opening and closing statements should be substantive and expressed with conviction. It is important that your case is presented in an overall confident manner. Depending on the format, hearings may allow for cross-examination. Your attorney will strive to ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the proceedings and are able to respond well when unforeseen developments occur.
Lawyer for Title IX Defense at Colleges & Universities in Indiana
Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm understand the importance of challenging allegations of wrongdoing and has the necessary experience to do so effectively. Title IX disciplinary proceedings in Indiana can have lasting consequences. For a case evaluation, contact the office today at (888) 535-3686.
- Ancilla College
- Anderson University
- Ball State University
- Bethel College Mishawaka
- Brown Mackie College Fort Wayne
- Brown Mackie College Indianapolis
- Brown Mackie College Merrillville
- Brown Mackie College Michigan City
- Brown Mackie College South Bend
- Butler University
- Calumet College of Saint Joseph
- College of Court Reporting Inc.
- Crossroads Bible College
- DePauw University
- DeVry University Indiana
- Earlham College
- Fortis College Indianapolis
- Franklin College
- Goshen College
- Grace College and Theological Seminary
- Hanover College
- Harrison College Anderson
- Harrison College Columbus
- Harrison College Elkhart
- Harrison College Evansville
- Harrison College Fort Wayne
- Harrison College Indianapolis East
- Harrison College Lafayette
- Harrison College Muncie
- Harrison College Northwest
- Harrison College Terre Haute
- Holy Cross College
- Huntington University
- Indiana Institute of Technology
- Indiana State University
- Indiana University Bloomington
- Indiana University East
- Indiana University Kokomo
- Indiana University Northwest
- Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne
- Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
- Indiana University South Bend
- Indiana University Southeast
- Indiana Wesleyan University
- International Business College
- International Business College Indianapolis
- ITT Technical Institute Fort Wayne
- ITT Technical Institute Indianapolis
- ITT Technical Institute Merrillville
- ITT Technical Institute Newburgh
- ITT Technical Institute South Bend
- Ivy Tech Community College Bloominton
- Ivy Tech Community College Central Indiana
- Ivy Tech Community College Columbus
- Ivy Tech Community College East Central
- Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo
- Ivy Tech Community College Lafayette
- Ivy Tech Community College Northcentral
- Ivy Tech Community College Northeast
- Ivy Tech Community College Northwest
- Ivy Tech Community College Richmond
- Ivy Tech Community College South Central
- Ivy Tech Community College Southeast
- Ivy Tech Community College Southwest
- Ivy Tech Community College Wabash Valley
- Manchester College
- Marian University
- Martin University
- MedTech College
- MedTech College Ft Wayne Campus
- MedTech College Greenwood Campus
- Mid America College of Funeral Service
- Oakland City University
- Purdue University Calumet Campus
- Purdue University Main Campus
- Purdue University North Central Campus
- Rose Hulman Institute of Technology
- Saint Josephs College
- Saint Mary's College
- Saint Mary of the Woods College
- Taylor University
- The Art Institute of Indianapolis
- Trine University
- Trine University Regional/Non Traditional Campuses
- University of Evansville
- University of Indianapolis
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Phoenix Indianapolis Campus
- University of Phoenix Northwest Indiana Campus
- University of Saint Francis Fort Wayne
- University of Southern Indiana
- Valparaiso University
- Vincennes University
- Wabash College
Winning a Title IX hearing can mean the difference between achieving one's academic and professional goals or having these goals upended. When accused of sexual misconduct, it is critical to not take the matter lightly and to instead vigorously defend against the allegations. Title IX cases can be won, and Joseph D. Lento has a decade of experience passionately fighting for the future of his clients at colleges and universities throughout the nation and winning. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead, prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. Joseph Lento is a licensed attorney in New Jersey, is admitted as an attorney pro hac vice in state and federal court if needed when representing clients nationwide, and serves as a Title IX advisor and educational consultant to students facing disciplinary cases in Indiana and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
