In April of 2024, the Department of Education approved New Title IX rules, which are scheduled to take effect on August 1, 2024. Our firm is closely monitoring ongoing challenges to these new rules in court, and is working hard to provide you the most up-to-date information. Click here to learn about the current state of Title IX and how we can help if you are facing accusations.
A college's or university's grievance process under the Title IX Final Rule is that it's required to be consistent and transparent. Regrettably, at some schools, Title IX cases were addressed and adjudicated in a manner that can be equated to a star chamber. If one has an experienced attorney-advisor in his or her corner from as early as possible in the process, this should not take place. The Title IX Final Rule emphasize the fact that the process has to be specifically outlined, made available, and known to the parties involved.
It's going to apply equally to colleges and universities and other post-secondary institutions in addition to K-12 schools. It also has certain major provisions, such as the requirement for a live hearing in the post-secondary institution setting, and also gives it or makes that an option in the K-12 setting in addition to allowing or mandating cross-examination of the parties.
Ultimately, consistency and transparency was the focus of the Title IX Final Rule in terms of how a school needs to establish its grievance process. If you're facing a Title IX case or sexual misconduct concern, having an experienced attorney advisor can help you best navigate the process and can work towards trying to ensure a fair process and a favorable outcome. They should be involved from as early as possible in the grievance process.