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.
The Title IX Final Rule requires that schools have reasonably prompt timeframes for the conclusion of the Title IX grievance process, which would include any appeals and also say any informal resolution processes. The Title IX Final Rule also makes allowances for good cause, short term delays, and extensions of the timeframes as appropriate. Prior to the September 2017 questions and answers issued by the department of education, schools were mandated to complete Title IX cases within 60 days.
Even under those prior regulations, schools often did not do so. They often went beyond the 60 days. In September of 2017 prior to the enactment of the Title IX Final Rule schools were then allowed to shift to a reasonably prompt timeframe, and with the Title IX Final Rule itself, again it's specifically designated that schools are required to have a reasonably prompt timeframe.
People have to understand that a reasonably prompt timeframe will vary depending on the case involved. Title IX cases are most often measured in terms of weeks and months. They're never measured in terms of days. It would be an extremely rare instance if that were to be the case. It's both good and bad.
You obviously do not want an overly long or burdensome process, but you also do not want a rush to judgment because so much is at stake and because so much is involved. Having an experienced attorney advisor in your corner from as early as possible in the process would help you best navigate the process and would let you know what's both appropriate and not appropriate to the circumstances. Then they help you work towards trying to ensure a fair process and a favorable outcome.
