Colleges and universities are among the educational institutions that are required to abide by Title IX guidelines that prohibit sexually-based discrimination. Designated coordinators are tasked with the investigation of claims. Examples may include allegations of sexual assault or harassment. Students facing such allegations are entitled to challenge the claims. The majority of colleges and universities will conduct a hearing where all parties are present and may impose penalties on violators. Accused parties may be accompanied by an advisor at hearings. Many students take these matters too lightly and are stunned when suddenly faced with a suspension or dismissal from the institution. The Lento Law Firm defends students in Title IX disciplinary matters to ensure their rights and academic future are protected.
What are Examples of Violations?
The Title IX provisions created by the U.S. Department of Education are broadly described as being related to actions of sexual discrimination. Some of these specific actions that may be deemed as violations include:
- Treatment or action that is unfair based on the gender of an individual
- Gender identity discrimination
- Sexist remarks or actions
- Inequality that is gender-related involved with athletics or campus activities
- Inappropriate sexual advances or comments
- Inappropriate physical contact
- Abuse, assault or coercion of a sexual nature
- Creating a hostile environment through discrimination
Importance of Legal Representation
The severity of sanctions that may be imposed on students can have devastating results on your educational plans. Students are committing significant resources of money and time to these efforts. Harsh penalties from disciplinary misconduct can dramatically alter these plans. Evidence of disciplinary action on your student records and transcripts also can have longer-term adverse consequences. Those seeking to transfer to a different school or enter a graduate school program could encounter problems with admittance.
How Attorney Helps in Hearings
Before your hearing, your attorney will work with you on key aspects of preparation. You should be comfortable responding to the questions that you will likely encounter. Your opening and closing statements should be highly effective and delivered with confidence. Evidence and/or expert testimony that supports your defense may be presented. Depending on the venue, you may be able to cross-examine witnesses in some cases. Your attorney may negotiate with university personnel during the process to potentially reach some favorable settlement or minimize the severity of sanctions. Overall, you will have excellent advice, support, and a comprehensive defense strategy.
Appealing a Ruling
Postsecondary institutions generally have written procedures for appealing a decision. Far too often, students decline to seek legal representation when initially accused of violations. At the point where an unfavorable ruling has been made, your attorney will help you in creating a justification that warrants reconsideration of the decision. It is critical to act quickly in these instances because many schools require notification of your intent to challenge the ruling in merely a few days or weeks.
Wisconsin Attorney for Students in Title IX Hearings
Attorney Joseph D. Lento has many years of experience in student disciplinary defense, such as those involving Title IX in Wisconsin. This legal assistance will aggressively challenge accusations and ensure you are treated fairly. You may have a limited time to formulate your defense; therefore, contact the office today at (888) 535-3686 for a consultation.
- Alverno College
- The Art Institute of Wisconsin
- Bellin College
- Beloit College
- Blackhawk Technical College
- Bryant and Stratton College Glendale
- Bryant and Stratton College Milwaukee
- Bryant and Stratton College Wauwatosa
- Cardinal Stritch University
- Carroll University
- Carthage College
- Chippewa Valley Technical College
- College of Menominee Nation
- Concordia University Wisconsin
- DeVry University Wisconsin
- Edgewood College
- Fox Valley Technical College
- Gateway Technical College
- Globe University Appleton
- Globe University Eau Claire
- Globe University Green Bay
- Globe University La Crosse
- Globe University Madison East
- Globe University Madison West
- Globe University Wausau
- Herzing University Brookfield
- Herzing University Kenosha
- Herzing University Madison
- ITT Technical Institute Green Bay
- ITT Technical Institute Greenfield
- ITT Technical Institute Madison
- Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College
- Lakeland College
- Lakeshore Technical College
- Lawrence University
- Madison Area Technical College
- Madison Media Institute
- Maranatha Baptist Bible College
- Marian University
- Marquette University
- Mid State Technical College
- Milwaukee Area Technical College
- Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
- Milwaukee School of Engineering
- Moraine Park Technical College
- Mount Mary College
- Nicolet Area Technical College
- Northcentral Technical College
- Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
- Northland College
- Northland International University
- Ripon College
- Saint Norbert College
- Sanford Brown College West Allis
- Silver Lake College of the Holy Family
- Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
- University of Phoenix Madison Campus
- University of Phoenix Milwaukee Campus
- University of Wisconsin Colleges
- University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
- University of Wisconsin Green Bay
- University of Wisconsin La Crosse
- University of Wisconsin Madison
- University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
- University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
- University of Wisconsin Parkside
- University of Wisconsin Platteville
- University of Wisconsin River Falls
- University of Wisconsin Stevens Point
- University of Wisconsin Stout
- University of Wisconsin Superior
- University of Wisconsin Whitewater
- Viterbo University
- Waukesha County Technical College
- Western Technical College
- Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
- Wisconsin Lutheran 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 Wisconsin and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today.