Title IX law is in constant flux, with new rules and legal challenges continuing to shape how schools, colleges, and other institutions handle sex-based misconduct and discrimination. Our firm closely monitors these developments and is committed to providing the most current information available. Click here to learn about the current state of Title IX and how we can help if you are facing accusations or other Title IX issues.
Few metro areas have more college options and vitality than Minneapolis-St. Paul. Students lucky enough to study in the Twin Cities remember the area and people fondly for the remainder of their professional lives. Whether they went to “the U” or Macalester or St. Thomas, these students get a first-rate education in Minnesota. But sometimes, a college experience can become a nightmare when a student, faculty, or staff member is accused of discrimination or harassment under Title IX.
If you face a grievance or charge under Title IX, you face an extremely uncertain and changing legal landscape. Even those experienced with Title IX can find themselves quickly out of their depth if they fail to keep up-to-date. The LLF National Law Firm is a nationwide Title IX defense firm with a proven track record of successfully defending clients against Title IX accusations. We understand that enforcement under Title IX varies with presidential administrations and geography. The LLF National Law Firm is experienced and can effectively defend against Title IX accusations regardless of the changing rules or enforcement practices. Call the LLF National Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 or leave your details online, and we will contact you.
What is Title IX?
In 1972, the US Congress passed a series of amendments to the Higher Education Act to promote the equal treatment of women in colleges and universities. At that time, many prestigious universities did not admit women, and women faced high levels of discrimination in college. Over time, the amendments known as “Title IX” have become symbolic of equal treatment in sports teams, although sports are not mentioned in Title IX. Title IX is a broad law many people have used with differing agendas. Today, Title IX is the focus for remedying sex-based discrimination and even sexually motivated violence on college campuses.
The stark reality is that individuals accused of sex discrimination and sexual harassment under Title IX face severe consequences with limited protections. Therefore, it is imperative that anyone accused of misconduct under Title IX has experienced legal representation. The LLF National Law Firm is a nationwide premier Title IX defense firm.
Minnesota Nice and Title IX
The US Congress did not originally intend that Title IX address every sex-based microaggression or slight that may occur on campus. But over time, it has broadened to address sexual harassment, which may be defined very differently by different parties. Title IX should not be used to address boorish behavior or offhand remarks. In Minnesota, there is a cultural standard of friendly, decent behavior often referred to as “Minnesota nice.” While we value politeness and kindness, Title IX is not a tool to enforce standards of respect and manners. Instead, Title IX is reserved for serious instances of sex-based discrimination and misconduct.
Many Campuses Are In Crisis Over Title IX Enforcement
The colleges and universities in the Twin Cities typically wish to comply with Title IX provisions. But over the last decade, the enforcement of Title IX has become so politically charged and changing that colleges often don’t know how to comply fully. Many of these colleges have attempted to train their volunteers on the rules, only to face retraining a few months later. It takes time for colleges and universities to prepare policy statements, so policy statements do not keep up with legal developments.
The LLF National Law Firm is motivated only by its clients and the successful resolution of complaints. We aim to protect our clients through a vigorous Title IX defense strategy. We will educate college officials on developments and argue for important protections for those accused of misconduct.
Title IX Process and Hearings
Most Title IX complaints involve some sort of informal resolution process. The LLF National Law Firm is particularly strong in using informal dispute resolution to get the charges against our clients reduced or dismissed. We believe in negotiating with your university Title IX officials to prevent the need for a hearing. We have good relationships with many college Title IX coordinators or other officials and believe in vigorous negotiation.
If this negotiation is unsuccessful, your case might go to a hearing. The LLF National Law Firm has represented countless numbers of students accused of wrongdoing or Title IX misconduct. The hearing may be your best chance to defend your reputation and status. We are experienced in assisting with the defense of all types of allegations. The exact process will vary depending on the policies and procedures of your college or university.
Title IX at the University of Minnesota
After a complaint or Title IX report, the University of Minnesota/Twin Cities (UM) will take one of three general types of action:
- No action: UM will stop action if the charge is inadequate or the complainant does not wish to proceed.
- Informal problem-solving: Some allegations are appropriate for an informal problem-solving process, particularly where the charges stem from a communication failure. UM offers a Notice and Resources Letter for a complainant who does not wish to proceed with charges but wishes to address the respondent publicly. It also offers a Voluntary Agreement Process, which can be extremely helpful if the parties are able to discuss their positions. An attorney can greatly enhance this process if you decide on this option.
- Formal grievance process: If the allegations are more serious or informal dispute resolution is unsuccessful, UM will commence a formal process under Title IX. If a complainant files formally and the Title IX Coordinator decides to proceed, the action will go to an investigation and hearing.
UM supports alternative resolutions, even if the charge is in the formal grievance process. The administrative resolution process can be very helpful, especially if the respondent has good legal counsel. If the parties cannot resolve the matter, it will go to a hearing, where serious sanctions may be imposed.
Title IX at Macalester College
Macalester College has a Title IX staff and encourages Title IX reporting with an online form. The Title IX Coordinator position and Title IX generally has a long and combative history at Macalester. The Title IX and Sexual Misconduct policy focuses on consent and consensual relationships and defines situations in which consent is not possible (incapacitation, for example). Macalester’s policy also sets forth actions that might be deemed sexual harassment under this policy. Macalester maintains that it has a “fair and impartial” process, but a review of the procedures will show that they are focused on protecting the complainant and not the respondent. Anyone facing formal charges at Macalester should have legal counsel to argue for a fair and impartial process.
Title IX at Hamline/William Mitchell Law School
Hamline University has a professional Title IX Coordinator and staff. The university’s sexual misconduct and harassment policy focuses almost completely on protecting the rights of the party accusing another of sexual misconduct, discrimination, or harassment. William Mitchell School of Law (“Billy Mitchell”) also has its own Title IX program and policy. The Title IX procedures at Billy Mitchell Law involve either a process “A” or “B,” depending on the nature of the accusations. Accusations involving sexual harassment will typically follow the “B” track, while other types of allegations will follow the “A” track.
Because the procedures at Hamline University and Billy Mitchell Law focus on the alleged victim’s or the accused party’s rights, a respondent should have legal counsel to assert their rights fully.
Title IX at the University of St. Thomas
The University of St. Thomas has a Title IX staff and encourages reporting through an online form. The Response Manager is the party overseeing the Title IX process at St. Thomas. The Response Manager will determine whether a complaint can proceed under Title IX or if it might involve non-Title IX misconduct. Along with this finding, the Response Manager will also determine whether a complaint is adequate to constitute a sexual harassment case. St. Thomas Title IX Policy supports early consideration of complaints and an informal resolution process. The policy provides opportunities to argue that a formal complaint is legally inadequate under Title IX rules. While these rules are in flux, St. Thomas has chosen a relatively conservative interpretation and procedure. St. Thomas also vigorously seeks early alternative resolution to handle complaints informally.
Title IX at St. Catherine University
As a Catholic university, St. Catherine’s Title IX policy reflects traditional values. However, the policy sets forth sexual harassment that is actionable under Title IX and that which is not but still violates St. Catherine’s rules and policies. These policies include a broad prohibition on the sexual exploitation of others. St. Catherine also emphasizes the equal treatment of the parties. Still, in the current environment of changing rules, any student accused of either Title IX misconduct or non-Title IX sexual misconduct should have experienced counsel.
Title IX at Concordia University (St. Paul)
Concordia University has a dedicated Title IX staff and encourages reporting of misconduct violations online. As a faith-based school, Concordia emphasizes fair and nonviolent interaction between students. The Title IX Coordinator at Concordia may take the following actions after receiving a complaint:
- No action on a complaint.
- Investigation.
- Informal resolution process.
- Formal grievance process.
According to the Title IX Policy, Concordia bears the burden of proof to prove the accusations. However, the policy also sets forth a principle that the alleged victim and the respondent should be treated fairly and equally during the investigation process. The standard of proof is a preponderance of the evidence or a finding that the allegations are more likely true than not. Any person facing Title IX accusations or charges at Concordia should contact the LLF National Law Firm as soon as possible in the Title IX investigation.
Title IX at Augsburg University
After receiving a Title IX complaint, Augsburg University will use an informal resolution process. If the informal resolution is unsuccessful, the matter will proceed to the formal resolution process. Augsburg uses either a General or a Heightened Grievance procedure. The Heightened Grievance procedure applies to allegations of student sexual harassment. This Heightened Procedure can be problematic since “evidence a party wishes to offer or refer to at the hearing must have been provided as part of the investigation process, before the close of evidence, unless extraordinary circumstances exist.” This may result in the respondent being compromised early in the process, so the hearing lacks fairness. Anyone facing a Heightened Grievance procedure at Augsburg should contact the LLF National Law Firm immediately to meet deadlines and preserve fairness. If you face difficulty defending yourself because of a failure to assert a defense or witness soon enough, don’t panic—call the LLF National Law Firm, and we will begin to preserve your rights.
Title IX at Other Institutions in the Twin Cities
Minneapolis-St. Paul boasts many other post-secondary institutions, and we can’t list them all here. Know that wherever you attend classes in the Twin Cities, we can defend you against Title IX allegations and charges. But remember that Title IX often involves a limited time frame and appeal period. It is, therefore, critical that anyone facing Title IX accusations act quickly to hire legal counsel. The LLF National Law Firm can begin representation very quickly so that our client’s position is not compromised. Call us today, and let us begin protecting your reputation and college experience.
Premier Title IX Defense in Minneapolis/St. Paul
The LLF National Law Firm can help you prepare the best possible defense if you face Title IX allegations or charges. We are experienced and up-to-date on the variations in the Title IX process and procedure between states and schools. With Title IX in such an evolving state, anyone facing Title IX charges must have an experienced attorney to fight the charges. The LLF National Law Firm has represented countless students accused of Title IX misconduct, and we can represent you. Call the LLF National Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 or leave your details online, and we will contact you.