Across Washington, there are approximately 240,000 students enrolled full-time at an institution of postsecondary education. These schools must establish documented disciplinary policies for investigating violations of Title IX guidelines. These rules were established by the U.S. Department of Education and relate to sexual discrimination. Schools who fail to adhere to these guidelines may lose their eligibility to receive federal education funds. When complaints are received of potential Title IX violations, the staff will begin an investigation. If the evidence supports the allegations, a hearing will be conducted where the accused may answer the claims. Many students who have been accused of violations in the past have stated that their rights were not fully acknowledged. Attorney Joseph D. Lento has a wealth of experience in defending students in these actions.
About Title IX
Acts of sexual misconduct are prohibited under Title IX guidelines. Postsecondary schools are responsible for having a Title IX coordinator or administrator. In today's volatile social environment those who are accused of violating the rights of another student are encouraged to retain experienced legal counsel.
College & University Requirements
Universities may draft and develop their own internal process for conducting these investigations. Federal guidelines do insist on a few basic requirements including the following:
- All procedures must be documented in writing and accessible to all students
- Campus administrators must respond to allegations that involve students, staff and all others on campus
- Title IX administrators are to respond in a “reasonably prompt” timeframe to all accusations
- All parties must be formally notified of rulings concurrently
- All parties are eligible for a hearing as part of due process
Potential Penalties
Annually posted safety and security reports outline the current sanctions that may be enacted on violators. These sanctions commonly include placing the student on probation, imposing a suspension, or dismissal from the university. The best way to achieve a favorable outcome in a Title IX case is to take the necessary steps as early as possible in the disciplinary process. At times, however, it may be necessary to appeal an adverse decision. Depending on what took place during the process, the specific outcome, and the school in question, it may be possible to have an adverse outcome reconsidered through a school's appeal process.
Do I Need an Attorney?
All accused students may be accompanied by an advisor for support. You will largely benefit from legal representation in this role in terms of preparation. The attorney will impartially examine the allegations, facts and other key factors as a third-party. This information will be critical in developing a strong defense. Your attorney may seek additional evidence and/or expert testimony in support of your defense.
Understanding Benefits of Having an Attorney
Well-prepared and clearly delivered opening and closing statements are important. When asked questions, you will be more confident in your responses. In certain hearing formats, there may be the possibility of cross-examining parties. This legal representation will help to make certain that you are treated fairly throughout the process. When unanticipated developments occur during the proceedings you will be in a better position to cope with them. At any time during the disciplinary process, your attorney may engage in negotiations with administrators to seek a mutually beneficial solution.
Attorney for College Students in Title IX Disciplinary Actions in Washington
Are you a college student who has been alleged to have violated the campus provisions relating to Title IX? Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm are extremely familiar with these actions and delivers effective student disciplinary defense and also is able to help with appealing unsuccessful rulings. Proper legal representation is of critical importance now due to various proposed changes to Title IX guidelines that are pending from federal regulators. Those needing assistance are encouraged to contact the office at (888) 535-3686.
Washington colleges and universities where Joseph D. Lento can help as your or your student's Title IX advisor during hearings, in addition to investigations and appeals, include, but are not limited to, the following schools:
- Antioch University Seattle
- Argosy University Seattle
- Bates Technical College
- Bellevue College
- Bellingham Technical College
- Big Bend Community College
- Cascadia Community College
- Central Washington University
- Centralia College
- City University of Seattle
- Clark College
- Clover Park Technical College
- Columbia Basin College
- Cornish College of the Arts
- DeVry University Washington
- DigiPen Institute of Technology
- Eastern Washington University
- Edmonds Community College
- Everest College Bremerton
- Everest College Everett
- Everest College Tacoma
- Everest College Vancouver
- Everett Community College
- Faith Evangelical College & Seminary
- Gonzaga University
- Grays Harbor College
- Green River Community College
- Heritage University
- Highline Community College
- International Academy of Design and Technology Seattle
- ITT Technical Institute Everett
- ITT Technical Institute Seattle
- ITT Technical Institute Spokane Valley
- Lake Washington Institute of Technology
- Lower Columbia College
- Northwest Aviation College
- Northwest College of Art
- Northwest Indian College
- Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building
- Northwest University
- Olympic College
- Pacific Lutheran University
- Peninsula College
- Pierce College at Fort Steilacoom
- Pierce College at Puyallup
- Renton Technical College
- Saint Martin's University
- Seattle Community College Central Campus
- Seattle Community College North Campus
- Seattle Community College South Campus
- Seattle Pacific University
- Seattle University
- Shoreline Community College
- Skagit Valley College
- South Puget Sound Community College
- Spokane Community College
- Spokane Falls Community College
- Tacoma Community College
- The Art Institute of Seattle
- The Evergreen State College
- Trinity Lutheran College
- University of Phoenix Western Washington Campus
- University of Puget Sound
- University of Washington Bothell Campus
- University of Washington Seattle Campus
- University of Washington Tacoma Campus
- Walla Walla Community College
- Walla Walla University
- Washington State University
- Wenatchee Valley College
- Western Washington University
- Whatcom Community College
- Whitman College
- Whitworth University
- Yakima Valley Community 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 Washington and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
