As a student accused of a Title IX violation, your academic and professional future are on the line. Being accused of a Title IX Violation is serious business.
Many students and parents do not fully understand the consequences of not properly defending a Title IX accusation until it is too late. These consequences can be immediate and long term. The expected sanction for a student found responsible for sexual assault or a sexual misconduct violation is a suspension or expulsion.
Title IX Disciplinary & Academic Record
Furthermore, the Title IX finding and sanction will be noted on the students’ disciplinary record making it difficult for the student to potentially transfer to another school or program. Some schools will even go as far to include the finding and sanction on the students’ academic record. This can pose a long-term serious consequence for the student when they begin their search for future employment.
Are Title IX accusations Criminal Charges?
Many violations may sound more like criminal charges. However, it is important to understand that if you have been accused of a Title IX violation, you will not have the same procedural, investigative and constitutional rights one is given if charged with a criminal offense. Your school will follow their own set of procedural, investigative and hearing guidelines.
Time is of the Essence
Furthermore, unlike criminal charges that could take years to fully prosecute, the U.S. Department Office of Education for Civil Rights recommends your school’s Title IX department complete their investigations, hearings and have the matter resolved within 60 days.
Have you or a loved one been accused of a Title IX Violation? Contact our experienced team of Title IX lawyers to schedule your initial case evaluation today!
What is Title IX?
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) prohibits sex discrimination (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity) in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. – US Department of Human & Health Services
Who does Title IX Apply to:
It applies to any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. For example, any public school in the state of Alabama, along with any higher education college or university that receives federal funding such as Southern Union State Community College and Auburn University.
Title IX applies to everyone involved in the education program or activity.
- Students
- Faculty
- Administrative Staff
- Contractors
- Vendors
- Full & Part Time Staff
Title IX Violations
Title IX rules and regulations are enforced by the U.S. Department Office of Education for Civil Rights. Each education program or activity will have their own policies and procedures. To view Auburn University’s Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures, click here.
Violations may include:
- Gender Bias in Athletic Programs
- Sexual Misconduct and Assault
- Stalking
- Rape
- Relationship Violence (Domestic Violence)
- Sexual Coercion
- Bullying
- Sexually Inappropriate Verbal and Nonverbal Conduct
- Creating a Hostile Learning Environment
Title IX Penalties
If the accused, known as the “respondent” is found responsible for violating any Title IX mandates, penalties may include (but not limited to):
- A verbal or written warning
- Disciplinary probation
- A change of residence halls
- Counseling requirements
- Suspension for a designated period of time
- Loss of scholarships
- Withholding a degree
- Expulsion from school
- Restitution
Schools & Universities
Schools and Universities are subject to strict federal guidelines along with the harsh judgement of public opinion. Schools, Colleges, and Universities do not want to be viewed as creating a culture of leniency when it comes to sexual assault or other forms of sexual misconduct occurring on their campuses. Due to this fact, most schools, and Universities, like Auburn University, will take an aggressive stance when it comes to sexual assault or sexual misconduct allegations against students.
An Aggressive Stance
The aggressive stance many schools take regarding sexual assault or sexual misconduct has led many students, particularly male students who have been accused, to be presumed guilty without proper investigations and proceedings.
Schedule your Consultation Today.
The stakes are high. If you have been accused of a Title IX violation, it is extremely imperative that you procure an advisor or a qualified Title IX attorney immediately, like Trip Walton, to mount the strongest possible defense to protect both your academic and professional future.
