The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs are a great option for students seeking to reduce the cost of their college education and begin a military career. Students commit to a period of military service where they are allowed to be a commissioned officer in the Army, Navy, Air Force, etc. In exchange, the government pays a substantial portion of their college tuition and other associated expenses.
ROTC students must satisfy a host of requirements such as standards of academic performance, weight and physical fitness requirements, a code of conduct, and more. Those who do not comply with the terms of the contract may face disenrollment from the ROTC program. Other potential consequences include compulsory completion of their active-duty commitment and repayment of any financial benefits received for tuition and expenses.
About Title IX Violations
Title IX was implemented in 1972 by the U.S. Department of Education. The intent was that all schools create policies that address sexual discrimination in educational environments. Each institution designates a Title IX coordinator that is responsible for quickly and impartially investigating all allegations.
Sexually-based discrimination may involve impeding someone's access to programs or benefits based on their sex or gender identity. Title IX also prohibits acts of violence such as sexual assault or coercion. Acts of sexual harassment also are prohibited. Examples may include acts of stereotyping or making slurs against those whose sexual identity does not conform to societal norms.
The administration may summon all parties to a hearing where the evidence is presented and witness testimony may be heard. The allegations are evaluated based on a “preponderance of the evidence” standard. Federal guidelines associated with Title IX were revised to also allow institutions to employ a “clear and convincing” evidentiary standard.
Students found to have committed violations are likely to be suspended or dismissed from the school. Title IX violations are also considered to be acts that breach ROTC program guidelines; therefore, these students will likely face the disenrollment process.
Importance of Having an Experienced Student Rights Attorney
Students accused of Title IX violations and/or faced with ROTC disenrollment must promptly consult with an attorney. All parties subject to Title IX actions can select an advisor that will support and accompany them throughout these proceedings. Some of the key benefits of choosing a seasoned attorney to serve in this capacity are as follows:
- The evidence will be closely scrutinized and potential weaknesses or inconsistencies may be identified
- He or she will correctly interpret the policies and protect your right to due process
- Your attorney may enter negotiations with the administration to amicably resolve the matter
- You will be better prepared to deliver concise statements and effectively respond to questions
Defense Lawyer Represents ROTC Students Accused of Misconduct
A Title IX violation can have a devastating effect on your plans. Joseph D. Lento is a Title IX attorney that is very familiar with this unique realm of legal practice. He will create a comprehensive defense strategy and seek to protect your best interests. Contact his office today at (888) 535-3686 for assistance.
Tennessee 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):
- American Baptist College
- Aquinas College
- Argosy University Nashville
- Austin Peay State University
- Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences
- Belmont University
- Bethel University
- Bryan College
- Carson Newman College
- Chattanooga College Medical Dental and Technical Careers
- Chattanooga State Community College
- Christian Brothers University
- Cleveland State Community College
- Columbia State Community College
- Cumberland University
- Daymar Institute Clarksville
- Daymar Institute Murfreesboro
- Daymar Institute Nashville
- DeVry University Tennessee
- Dyersburg State Community College
- East Tennessee State University
- Fisk University
- Fortis Institute
- Fortis Institute Nashville
- Fountainhead College of Technology
- Free Will Baptist Bible College
- Freed Hardeman University
- Hiwassee College
- International Academy of Design and Technology Nashville
- ITT Technical Institute Chattanooga
- ITT Technical Institute Cordova
- ITT Technical Institute Johnson City
- ITT Technical Institute Knoxville
- ITT Technical Institute Nashville
- Jackson State Community College
- John A Gupton College
- Johnson University
- King College
- Lane College
- Le Moyne Owen College
- Lee University
- Lincoln Memorial University
- Lipscomb University
- L'Ecole Culinaire
- Martin Methodist College
- Maryville College
- Memphis College of Art
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Miller Motte Technical College Chattanooga
- Miller Motte Technical College Clarksville
- Miller Motte Technical College Madison
- Milligan College
- Motlow State Community College
- Nashville State Community College
- National College of Business and Technology Nashville
- Northeast State Community College
- Nossi College of Art
- O'More College of Design
- Pellissippi State Community College
- Remington College Memphis Campus
- Remington College Nashville Campus
- Rhodes College
- Roane State Community College
- Sewanee The University of the South
- South College
- Southern Adventist University
- Southwest Tennessee Community College
- Tennessee State University
- Tennessee Technological University
- Tennessee Temple University
- Tennessee Wesleyan College
- The Art Institute of Tennessee Nashville
- The University of Tennessee
- The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- The University of Tennessee Martin
- Trevecca Nazarene University
- Tusculum College
- Union University
- University of Memphis
- University of Phoenix Chattanooga Campus
- University of Phoenix Knoxville
- University of Phoenix Memphis Campus
- University of Phoenix Nashville Campus
- Vanderbilt University
- Vatterott Career College Memphis Appling Farms
- Vatterott Career College Memphis Dividend Drive
- Victory University
- Virginia College School of Business and Health
- Visible Music College
- Volunteer State Community College
- Walters State Community College
- Watkins College of Art Design & Film
- William Moore College of Technology
- Williamson Christian 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 Tennessee and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
