College and university students in Oklahoma that are seeking to pursue a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program can choose from several participating schools. ROTC programs offer a variety of potential benefits for those who commit to a period of military service. These individuals may benefit from superb leadership training, financial assistance toward their education, the opportunity to join a branch of the military as a commissioned officer, and others.
About Title IX
Title IX was an educational amendment established in 1972 that addressed concerns with sexually-based discrimination in all U.S. schools. All schools must create a process that fairly and equitably handles allegations of potential sexual misconduct. Students that commit these serious violations are likely to be suspended or dismissed from the institution.
In collegiate settings, acts of discrimination may occur in areas such as admissions, athletics, accessing benefits, and more. Acts of sexual harassment are also prohibited because data has shown they create a hostile environment that is not conducive to learning. Examples may include appeals for sexual favors or unwelcome advances.
Gender-oriented harassment also violates Title IX and may involve verbal intimidation. Often those who perpetrate these acts will make slurs or further stereotypes related to a “student's actual or perceived sex.” Acts of sexual violence such as rape are also very serious violations of Title IX.
Title IX Proceedings
If the campus administrators believe that the evidence supports the allegations, they may summon all the parties to a hearing. Schools do allow all parties to select an advisor that will accompany them and provide support. Students alleged to have committed such violations should retain an attorney to act in this capacity.
Having an experienced student rights attorney ensures that your school's specific procedures are properly interpreted, all evidence is scrutinized, and your right to due process is protected. He or she will be instrumental in your preparation to deliver concise statements and effective responses to inquiries. Allegations are assessed using a “preponderance of the evidence” standard.
Title IX and ROTC Disenrollment
Violations of Title IX are also deemed as breaches of ROTC program contracts. Students that are found to have committed violations should expect to consequently face the disenrollment process.
Army ROTC Student Rights in the Disenrollment Process (145-4)
There are various basic rights that students are entitled to and procedural requirements outlined in the U.S. Army disenrollment process including the following:
- A unit commander will “appoint a board of officers or investigating officer to review and investigate the circumstances”
- Students facing disenrollment are afforded “reasonable notice” to allow them preparation time
- A copy of “documentary evidence that supports the disenrollment action” must be provided
- They are afforded a “right to appear personally” to respond to the allegations before the designated officer or board
- They have a right to call witnesses to testify in a hearing
- Those wishing to appeal an adverse ruling must submit these requests within 14 days
Oklahoma ROTC Student Rights Advisor
Title IX guidelines and the ROTC disenrollment provisions are increasingly complex and are subject to change. This is just one reason why you must choose an attorney that regularly works in this area of legal practice. Contact Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today at (888) 535-3686 for assistance.
Oklahoma 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):
- Bacone College
- Brown Mackie College Tulsa
- Cameron University
- Career Point College
- Carl Albert State College
- Connors State College
- DeVry University Oklahoma
- East Central University
- Eastern Oklahoma State College
- Family of Faith College
- Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College
- ITT Technical Institute Oklahoma City
- ITT Technical Institute Tulsa
- Langston University
- Mid America Christian University
- Murray State College
- National American University Tulsa
- Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
- Northeastern State University
- Northern Oklahoma College
- Northwestern Oklahoma State University
- Oklahoma Baptist University
- Oklahoma Christian University
- Oklahoma City Community College
- Oklahoma City University
- Oklahoma Panhandle State University
- Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology Okmulgee
- Oklahoma State University Main Campus
- Oklahoma State University Oklahoma City
- Oklahoma Wesleyan University
- Oral Roberts University
- Redlands Community College
- Rogers State University
- Rose State College
- Saint Gregorys University
- Seminole State College
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University
- Southern Nazarene University
- Southwestern Christian University
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University
- Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology
- Tulsa Community College
- University of Central Oklahoma
- University of Oklahoma Norman Campus
- University of Phoenix Oklahoma City Campus
- University of Phoenix Tulsa Campus
- University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma
- University of Tulsa
- Vatterott College Tulsa
- Western Oklahoma State College
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 Oklahoma and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
