Thousands of international students move to Kansas every year to start their post-secondary education in the United States. In turn, they better state colleges and universities by diversifying them and adding a fresh, valuable perspective to these academic environments. Title IX policies are applicable to international students just as they are to native Kansas students. This is the case with both accusers, known as “complainants,” and the accused, referred to as “respondents.”
Title IX policies can have severe repercussions for any student accused of sexual misconduct. However, international students must be aware of how Title IX policies specifically affect them.
Understanding Title IX
Title IX of the Education Amendments is a federal civil rights law that protects all students from discrimination based on gender in colleges and universities funded by the federal government. This law is intact regardless of national origin, immigration status, or citizen status. Sexual misconduct has many forms - sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, etc. These actions are considered gender-based discrimination in accordance with this law. Therefore, under current guidelines, institutions are required to promptly and fairly adjudicate all complaints alleging this misconduct.
The Effects of Sexual Misconduct Allegations on Kansas International Students
Being a respondent in sexual misconduct cases already comes with inherent drawbacks. For example, most respondents report being treated less than favorably in comparison to complainants despite the fact that Title IX dictates that the interests of both students are to be equally catered to.
But being a respondent who is an international student comes with unique challenges. International students may experience complete alienation, not only due to the nature of the Title process but as a result of being unfamiliar with certain American customs. Some international students may be unaware of the rights, expectations, and obligations bestowed upon an accused student. And for international students who may not understand things like the burden of proof and investigatory procedures in the Title IX process and hearings, being accused can be a very confusing situation.
Sexual Misconduct Allegations and Student Visas
Unfortunately, international students have more to lose then native students when accused of sexual misconduct.
To study in the United States, international students must acquire a student visa. For this visa to remain effective, international students must fulfill the requirement of maintaining a full-time course load, which is equivalent to at least 12 academic credit hours per semester. Accusations of sexual misconduct can bring your education to a temporary halt depending on the circumstances, or a permanent halt due to expulsion - which can happen if an international student is found “responsible” for said misconduct. Overall, sexual misconduct allegations can lead an international student to lose their visa.
Kansas Title IX Advisor for Student Defense
As you can see, the stakes are incredibly high for international students in Kansas facing accusations of sexual misconduct. A responsible finding will derail your academic and professional plans immensely. If you're an international student who believes that you are innocent and you're seeking help, it's imperative you reach out to an attorney. Attorney Joseph D. Lento of the Lento Law Firm can help you make sense of your situation and give you options that will increase your chances of a favorable outcome- contact him today.
Kansas colleges and universities where Joseph D. Lento can help as your or your international student's Title IX advisor during investigations, hearings, and appeals include, but are not limited to, the following schools:
- Allen County Community College
- Baker University
- Barclay College
- Barton County Community College
- Benedictine College
- Bethany College
- Bethel College North Newton
- Brown Mackie College Kansas City
- Brown Mackie College Salina
- Bryan University Topeka
- Butler Community College
- Central Baptist Theological Seminary
- Central Christian College of Kansas
- Cleveland Chiropractic College
- Cloud County Community College
- Coffeyville Community College
- Colby Community College
- Cowley County Community College
- Dodge City Community College
- Donnelly College
- Emporia State University
- Flint Hills Technical College
- Fort Hays State University
- Fort Scott Community College
- Friends University
- Garden City Community College
- Hesston College
- Highland Community College
- Hutchinson Community College
- Independence Community College
- ITT Technical Institute Wichita
- Johnson County Community College
- Kansas City Kansas Community College
- Kansas State University
- Kansas Wesleyan University
- Labette Community College
- Manhattan Area Technical College
- Manhattan Christian College
- McPherson College
- MidAmerica Nazarene University
- National American University Overland Park
- National American University Wichita
- Neosho County Community College
- Newman University
- North Central Kansas Technical College
- Ottawa University Ottawa
- Pinnacle Career Institute Lawrence
- Pittsburg State University
- Pratt Community College
- Salina Area Technical College
- Seward County Community College and Area Technical School
- Southwestern College
- Sterling College
- Tabor College
- The Art Institutes International Kansas City
- University of Kansas
- University of Phoenix Wichita Campus
- University of Saint Mary
- Vatterott College Wichita
- Washburn University
- Wichita Area Technical College
- Wichita State University
- Wright Career College
All students must be extremely mindful when accused of sexual misconduct at their college or university; international students in particular, however, can have even more concerns at all stage of Title IX proceedings because the stakes are higher yet – When first contacted by their school's Title IX office, when a sexual misconduct investigation begins, when facing a hearing or an appeal, or when seeking further recourse by filing a Title IX complaint with the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights when necessary. For international students who are facing a Title IX case and their families, it is critical to take the necessary precautions as soon as possible, including having an experienced attorney advisor, when accused of sexual misconduct. Unfortunately, some international students, not being as familiar what is at stake and also their rights in the process, will mistakenly believe that if they "just explain what happened," everything will work out. Title IX cases can be won, but international students and their families must recognize, however, that achieving a favorable in a Title IX case requires a dedicated and intensive approach best handled by a professional who has a track record of successes in the Title IX disciplinary arena.
Fighting passionately for the future of international students at colleges and universities throughout the nation for over a decade, Joseph D. Lento knows how important it is to mount the strongest defense because he understands that an international student's academic and professional future and Visa is on the line. 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 to international students facing sexual misconduct investigations and disciplinary cases in Kansas and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
