A Title IX complaint about sexual misconduct has been filed with Ohio State University that showcases how broad Title IX's scope has become, and how quickly alleged victims are now filing complaints.

Columbus Opera Conductor Accused of Sexual Misconduct

According to the complaint and a report in Columbus Alive, the situation happened during a late-stage rehearsal for one of Columbus' opera organizations, Opera Project Columbus, which focuses on young performers and up-and-coming talent.

The female cast member who filed the complaint claims that the show's Music Director lifted her skirt while she was sitting down and told her that it had to be shorter for her character in the opera.

Another cast member confirmed her story.

Neither the female cast member nor the Music Director was associated with Ohio State in any way. However, because the rehearsal was taking place at the college's Hughes Hall Auditorium, the female cast member went to Ohio State's Title IX office and lodged a complaint.

She also lodged a formal complaint with Opera Project Columbus, which has seen a rash of departures following the show's final performance.

The fallout from the allegations has uncovered chaotic and stressed professional environment centering on the Music Director, but also financial reliance on keeping him in the group.

Title IX Claims Solely Because Incident Happened on Campus

The only connection that Ohio State had with the incident was that it happened at Hughes Hall, one of its main music halls. Neither the female cast member nor the Music Director was affiliated with Ohio State in any way. The opera group was also not a part of the Ohio State community – instead, it is a nonprofit organization that relies on financial help from the region.

Nevertheless, the alleged victim took the Title IX route when she initiated her complaint against the Director. Ohio State has forwarded her complaint to Opera Project Columbus for their investigation, but it is unclear if the school is conducting an investigation of its own, as well.

Misuse of Title IX Process Shows How Enticing It Has Become

Title IX prohibits gender or sexual discrimination that interferes with someone's educational opportunities. When the only connection between the alleged victim and their education is that the incident happened to be on a college campus, the argument that Title IX applies is tenuous, at best.

That the alleged victim, in this case, filed a Title IX complaint with the school shows that the Title IX process has become the investigation of choice for alleged victims. This is a sure sign that its standards of proof have fallen too low to adequately protect innocent people who have been wrongfully accused.

Title IX Defense Lawyer Joseph D. Lento

Joseph D. Lento is a Title IX defense lawyer and national Title IX advisor. He fights for the rights of the person who is being accused of sexual misconduct on campus and is facing a Title IX investigation and hearing. Contact him online or call his law office at (888) 535-3686 for the legal guidance you need.