Thousands of students from other countries move to Louisiana every year to seize the benefits that the United States higher education system has to offer. In turn, these students better Georgia state campuses by diversifying them and contributing a fresh, valuable perspective to these academic environments.
Title IX law is intended to protect international students just like it protects native Louisiana student. This is the case for international students whether they are accusers, referred to as “complainants,” or the accused, commonly known as “respondents. But there are certain aspects of this law and its enforcement that may leave international students vulnerable.
Title IX allegations can warrant serious consequences for any student accused of sexual misconduct. However, international students must be aware of how Title IX policies can specifically impact them.
Understanding Title IX
Discrimination is strictly prohibited under federal law. Title IX of the Education Amendments is a federal civil rights law that protects all students from gender-based discrimination in federally funded universities and colleges. This law extends to all students regardless of immigration status, citizen status, or national origin. Sexual misconduct in all of its forms is considered gender discrimination under Title IX. There are multiple actions that constitute sexual misconduct. Some of them include sexual harassment, sexual assault, and dating violence. Therefore, under current guidelines, institutions are required to fairly and promptly adjudicate all complaints alleging such conduct.
How Sexual Misconduct Allegations Affect Louisiana International Students
The experience of being a respondent in a case involving sexual misconduct without the additional factor of being an international student already has inherent disadvantages. For example, some respondents report being treated unfairly in comparison to complainants during the Title IX process. This goes on despite the fact that Title IX endorses that the interests of both parties are to be equally considered and catered to.
But being a respondent who is an international student comes with even more challenges. Many international respondents report feeling alienated throughout the Title IX process, not only due to the nature of these allegations but as a result of being unfamiliar with certain American customs. International students are less inclined to be aware of the rights entitled to them and the obligations they're expected to fulfill. Also, concepts like evidentiary standards in hearings and investigatory procedures during the Title IX process can make being accused a very confusing situation.
Sexual Misconduct Allegations and Student Visas
The unfortunate reality for international students is that they have more to lose when accused of sexual misconduct than native students in the exact same predicament.
In order for international students to remain in the United States for their studies, they must acquire a student visa. This visa only remains effective when international students fulfill certain requirements. Among these requirements is the obligation to maintain a full-time course load, which is equivalent to at least 12 academic credit hours per semester. If an international student is found “responsible” for this misconduct, said student's ability to continue their education becomes compromised. A suspension or expulsion can result in an international student losing their visa.
Louisiana Title IX Advisor for Student Defense
As you can see, international students have a lot to lose when accused of sexual misconduct in Louisiana colleges and universities. A responsible finding has the ability to derail your professional and academic goals immensely. This is why if you're an international student who believes that they're 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 online or by phone at 888-535-3686.
Louisiana 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:
- Acadiana Technical College Lafayette Campus
- Baton Rouge College
- Baton Rouge Community College
- Blue Cliff College Alexandria
- Blue Cliff College Houma
- Blue Cliff College Metairie
- Blue Cliff College Shreveport
- Bossier Parish Community College
- Capital Area Technical College Baton Rouge Campus
- Career Technical College Shreveport
- Centenary College of Louisiana
- Central Louisiana Technical College Alexandria Campus
- Court Reporting Institute of Louisiana
- Delgado Community College
- Delta School of Business and Technology
- Dillard University
- Grambling State University
- Herzing University Kenner
- ITT Technical Institute Baton Rouge
- ITT Technical Institute Saint Rose
- L E Fletcher Technical Community College
- Louisiana College
- Louisiana Delta Community College Monroe Campus
- Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
- Louisiana State University Eunice
- Louisiana State University Alexandria
- Louisiana State University Shreveport
- Louisiana Tech University
- Loyola University New Orleans
- McCann School of Business & Technology Monroe
- McNeese State University
- Medvance Institute Baton Rouge
- Nicholls State University
- Northeast Louisiana Technical College Delta Ouachita Campus
- Northshore Technical Community College
- Northwest Louisiana Technical College
- Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Nunez Community College
- Our Lady of Holy Cross College
- Our Lady of the Lake College
- Remington College Baton Rouge Campus
- Remington College Lafayette Campus
- Remington College Shreveport Campus
- River Parishes Community College
- Saint Joseph Seminary College
- South Central Louisiana Technical College Young Memorial Campus
- South Louisiana Community College
- Southeastern Louisiana University
- Southern University and A & M College
- Southern University at New Orleans
- Southern University at Shreveport
- Sowela Technical Community College
- Tulane University of Louisiana
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- University of Louisiana Monroe
- University of New Orleans
- University of Phoenix Baton Rouge
- University of Phoenix Lafayette
- University of Phoenix Louisiana Campus
- University of Phoenix Shreveport Bossier
- Virginia College
- Xavier University of Louisiana
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 Louisiana and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
