Laws pertaining to Title IX were originally enacted in 1972. The U.S. Department of Education initiated these requirements that must be complied with by the majority of educational institutions. The provisions prohibit sexual discrimination at colleges and universities and failing to comply can jeopardize an institution's access to key federal funding. Students accused of violations, such as for acts of sexual misconduct, are potentially at risk of having sanctions imposed upon them. These students are encouraged to discuss the situation with an attorney that is familiar with these campus disciplinary actions. The Lento Law Firm has a track record of successfully assisting students and protecting their rights in Title IX matters.
Investigation & Hearing of Title IX
Campus administrators take these allegations seriously and will promptly begin an investigation. The accused party has an opportunity to defend themselves in a hearing. These hearings lack the majority of the formal processes found in legal proceedings such as in criminal or civil courts. Currently, federal officials are processing some key changes that relate to the way in which Title IX actions are handled.
Proving These Violations
The originally drafted Title IX provisions did not specify the standard of evidence to be used. Today, the established standards are that the allegations must be proven by a “preponderance of the evidence”. This is the same standard used in civil proceedings. Currently proposed revisions to Title IX suggest that educational institutions be able to choose to employ a “clear and convincing evidence” standard as well. At the disciplinary hearings, students have a right to be accompanied by an advisor, which typically is in a supportive role. Having an attorney assume this key role will afford students a significantly great chance of success.
Benefits of Having an Attorney
Having legal representation in these disciplinary actions allows you some of the following benefits:
- Making sure you are adequately prepared with a planned defense strategy
- That you will have strong opening and closing statements
- The ability to better respond to the questions that will likely be asked at the hearing
- Having solid evidence, with supportive documentation and possible expert input to present
- To maintain your rights to fairness throughout
- Assistance with unexpected developments that are likely to arise during the hearing
- Taking advantage of potential opportunities for cross-examination of accusers and witnesses (if applicable)
- Emotional support and guidance as you navigate the process
- Your attorney will keep abreast on the pending changes to the Title IX provisions
Will a Lawyer Help With an Appeal?
Unfortunately, many of the students accused in these matters take them too lightly. A Title IX violation can severely impede your long-term educational plans. It is best to retain legal assistance when you are first made aware of the allegations. If an appeal is necessary, however, having assistance from an attorney will certainly be of tremendous help in showing sufficient cause for the appeals process. Those wishing to appeal a decision should act promptly because educational institutions frequently require notice of intent within a matter of only days or weeks.
Iowa Attorney Represents Students in Title IX Actions
Joseph D. Lento has an excellent understanding of the many aspects of student disciplinary matters. He will review the individual circumstances and evidence that is the basis for the allegations. You deserve representation in Title IX violations that will act according to your best interests. Students in Iowa who are in need of these services are encouraged to contact the office for a consultation at (888) 535-3686.
- AIB College of Business
- Allen College
- Briar Cliff University
- Brown Mackie College Quad Cities
- Buena Vista University
- Central College
- Clarke University
- Coe College
- Cornell College
- Des Moines Area Community College
- Divine Word College
- Dordt College
- Drake University
- Eastern Iowa Community College District
- Ellsworth Community College
- Emmaus Bible College
- Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary
- Graceland University Lamoni
- Grand View University
- Grinnell College
- Hamilton Technical College
- Hawkeye Community College
- Indian Hills Community College
- Iowa Central Community College
- Iowa Lakes Community College
- Iowa State University
- Iowa Wesleyan College
- Iowa Western Community College
- ITT Technical Institute Cedar Rapids
- ITT Technical Institute Clive
- Kaplan University Cedar Falls Campus
- Kaplan University Cedar Rapids Campus
- Kaplan University Council Bluffs Campus
- Kaplan University Davenport Campus
- Kaplan University Des Moines Campus
- Kaplan University Mason City Campus
- Kirkwood Community College
- Loras College
- Luther College
- Maharishi University of Management
- Marshalltown Community College
- Mercy College of Health Sciences
- Morningside College
- Mount Mercy University
- North Iowa Area Community College
- Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar
- Northwest Iowa Community College
- Northwestern College
- Palmer College of Chiropractic Davenport
- Saint Ambrose University
- Simpson College
- Southeastern Community College
- Southwestern Community College
- St Luke's College
- University of Dubuque
- University of Iowa
- University of Northern Iowa
- University of Phoenix Des Moines Campus
- Upper Iowa University
- Vatterott College Des Moines
- Waldorf College
- Wartburg College
- Western Iowa Tech Community College
- William Penn University
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 Iowa and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
