What is Title IX?
Title IX is a federal civil rights law that states the following:
“no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”
In essence, Title IX of the Education Amendments forbids discriminatory acts on the basis of gender exhibited by and towards students, staff, and faculty in federally funded educational institutions.
Title IX's applicability is wide-reaching. It has been enforced in a vast number of circumstances, ranging from expanding women's opportunities and options in intercollegiate sports, to serving as the justification in creating guidelines that bar staff and faculty from discriminating against pregnant students. But no Title IX related issue has been as controversial as the topic of sexual misconduct on college and university campuses.
Title IX and Sexual Assault
Sexual misconduct in all of its variations - sexual harassment, sexual assault, rape etc. - is considered gender-based discrimination under Title IX. Therefore, this law obligates higher education institutions to handle cases of this nature. Schools approach these cases a lot differently than they did in the past, all due to a letter issued to them by federal agencies threatening to strip federal funding of those who are caught sweeping reported instances of sexual assault under the rug. Now, schools have reacted radically to these issues by approaching reported cases hastily and aggressively in an effort to appease federal agencies. But in the process of operating in its own best interest, schools have recurrently created a trend out of slighting accused students by stripping them of their rights.
The Benefits of Choosing an Attorney as Your Title IX Advisor
You, as an accused student, are probably already aware of the disadvantages that you face. Chances are you've already experienced the presumption of guilt that inherently accompanies these accusations. Counterparts, staff, faculty, and society as a whole assumes that you're guilty, and treat you as such before a hearing even ensues. Unfortunately, those who have your fate in their hands are not exempt from letting these preconceived notions affect their opinion of you and furthermore assume that you are guilty no matter how well you present yourself in a hearing. This is why it's important that you choose an attorney as your advisor. They can help you avoid pitfalls and missteps that could further incriminate you in the eyes of panel members and school authorities and increase your chances of success.
If you have been accused of sexual assault and have yet to choose an advisor, here are a few reasons why you could consider choosing an attorney to occupy this role:
- An attorney will hold higher education institutions accountable for their actions
- An attorney will not disclose confidential information
- An attorney will prepare you for a hearing
Experienced Wyoming Title IX Advisor
If you attend a Wyoming college or university and have been accused of sexual assault, you should immediately consult with a knowledgeable professional. Skilled Title IX Advisor Joseph D. Lento is here to help to make certain your interests are protected. Contact him today.
Wyoming colleges and universities where Joseph D. Lento can help as your or your student's Title IX advisor during investigations, hearings, and appeals include, but are not limited to, the following schools:
- Casper College
- Central Wyoming College
- College America Cheyenne
- Eastern Wyoming College
- Laramie County Community College
- Northwest College
- Sheridan College
- University of Phoenix Cheyenne Campus
- University of Wyoming
- Western Wyoming Community College
Title IX violations and Title IX charges can change an accused student's life if not defended against properly and as early as possible during the disciplinary process, and Joseph D. Lento has nearly a decade of experience passionately fighting for the future of his clients at universities and colleges throughout the nation. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead, prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. Joseph Lento is a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, 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 and educational consultant to students facing disciplinary cases in Wyoming and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
