The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program is available for students that seek to more affordably obtain a college education and initiate a career in the military. A commitment to a period of military service is made and the students have the prospect of being a commissioned officer in the Army, Navy, Air Force, etc. The government assumes responsibility for paying for a part of the student's tuition and other expenses.
Students participating in ROTC programs must maintain high standards in their academic performance, physical fitness and conditioning, personal conduct, and more. Those who fail to comply with these guidelines may be subject to disenrollment from the ROTC program. Disenrollment also may lead to a requirement to complete the active-duty service commitment and to repay the monies received for their educational expenses.
Understanding Title IX Violations
The U.S. Department of Education introduced Title IX as an amendment in 1972. The goal was to prevent sexual discrimination in all U.S. educational institutions. Each school designates a Title IX coordinator that has responsibility for quickly and equitably investigating all allegations. Sexually-based discrimination may involve preventing an individual from participating in programs or accessing benefits based on their sex or gender identity.
A violation of Title IX may occur when physical acts of violence as committed such as sexual assault or coercion. Acts of sexual harassment are also prohibited. Some examples include promoting stereotypes, making slurs or other acts of hostility that target individuals deemed as having a non-traditional sexual orientation.
When evidence exists that may support such allegations, the institution will summon all parties to a hearing. During these proceedings, the evidence is presented and witness testimony may be heard. A preponderance of the evidence standard is typically used to evaluate the accusations. Federal provisions were recently modified to also allow for a clear and convincing evidentiary standard to be employed.
If allegations made against a student are proven, they will likely face penalties including suspension or dismissal from the school. Acts of sexual misconduct that constitute a violation of Title IX also breach the student's ROTC contract. Consequently, the student will be subject to the disenrollment process.
Importance of Retaining an Experienced Student Rights Attorney
Students accused of violating Title IX guidelines and/or enter the ROTC disenrollment process should promptly consult with an attorney. The parties to Title IX actions may choose an advisor that will provide support and accompaniment during these proceedings. Having a seasoned student rights lawyer serve in this role can result in tremendous benefits such as the following;
- Your lawyer will thoroughly review the evidence and may find flaws or inconsistencies
- He or she can accurately interpret the guidelines of the institution and protect your right to due process
- Your attorney may have discussions with the administration to negotiate a mutually acceptable resolution
- The student will be primed to confidently deliver statements and effectively respond to questions
Representation for ROTC Students Accused of Misconduct in Michigan
The consequences of violating Title IX guidelines can devastate your long-term plans. Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento is well-versed in this area of legal practice. He will establish an inclusive strategy of defense on your behalf. Contact his office at (888) 535-3686 today for assistance.
Michigan colleges and universities where Joseph D. Lento can help as your or your ROTC student's Title IX advisor during investigations, hearings, and appeals include, but are not limited to, the following schools (schools in bold have Army, Navy, and/or Air Force ROTC programs or are affiliated with schools where students can take ROTC classes):
- Adrian College
- Albion College
- Alma College
- Alpena Community College
- Andrews University
- Aquinas College
- Baker College Center for Graduate Studies
- Baker College of Allen Park
- Baker College of Auburn Hills
- Baker College of Cadillac
- Baker College of Clinton Township
- Baker College of Flint
- Baker College of Jackson
- Baker College of Muskegon
- Baker College of Owosso
- Baker College of Port Huron
- Bay de Noc Community College
- Bay Mills Community College
- Calvin College
- Central Michigan University
- Cleary University
- College for Creative Studies
- Compass College of Cinematic Arts
- Concordia University Ann Arbor
- Cornerstone University
- Davenport University
- Delta College
- DeVry University Michigan
- Eastern Michigan University
- Ferris State University
- Finlandia University
- Glen Oaks Community College
- Gogebic Community College
- Grace Bible College
- Grand Rapids Community College
- Grand Valley State University
- Great Lakes Christian College
- Henry Ford Community College
- Hope College
- International Academy of Design and Technology Troy
- ITT Technical Institute Canton
- ITT Technical Institute Dearborn
- ITT Technical Institute Swartz Creek
- ITT Technical Institute Troy
- ITT Technical Institute Wyoming
- Jackson Community College
- Kalamazoo College
- Kalamazoo Valley Community College
- Kellogg Community College
- Kettering University
- Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College
- Kirtland Community College
- Kuyper College
- Lake Michigan College
- Lake Superior State University
- Lansing Community College
- Lawrence Technological University
- Macomb Community College
- Madonna University
- Marygrove College
- Michigan Jewish Institute
- Michigan State University
- Michigan Technological University
- Mid Michigan Community College
- Monroe County Community College
- Montcalm Community College
- Mott Community College
- Muskegon Community College
- North Central Michigan College
- Northern Michigan University
- Northwestern Michigan College
- Northwood University Michigan
- Oakland Community College
- Oakland University
- Olivet College
- Rochester College
- Sacred Heart Major Seminary
- Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College
- Saginaw Valley State University
- Sanford Brown College Dearborn
- Sanford Brown College Grand Rapids
- Schoolcraft College
- Siena Heights University
- South University Novi
- Southwestern Michigan College
- Spring Arbor University
- St Clair County Community College
- The Art Institute of Michigan
- University of Detroit Mercy
- University of Michigan Ann Arbor
- University of Michigan Dearborn
- University of Michigan Flint
- University of Phoenix Metro Detroit Campus
- University of Phoenix West Michigan Campus
- Washtenaw Community College
- Wayne County Community College District
- Wayne State University
- West Shore Community College
- Western Michigan University
- Yeshiva Gedolah of Greater Detroit
All students must be extremely mindful when accused of sexual misconduct at their college or university; ROTC 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 ROTC 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 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 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 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 ROTC student's academic future and future commission and military career is at stake. 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 and New York, 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 students facing sexual misconduct investigations, disenrollment proceedings,and disciplinary cases in Michigan and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
