Title IX
A Title IX investigation can be intimidating. You may be participating in a Title IX investigation as a complainant or a respondent. Also, working with the parties involved in a Title IX investigation can be stressful and emotionally overwhelming. Title IX attorneys at K Altman Law have decades of experience representing students and faculty members in Title IX cases. We have helped thousands of students assert their legal rights and safeguard their educational goals.
Our team of student defense attorneys and Title IX professionals can assist you at every stage of your Title IX investigation. You may not know what to do if you are accused of academic misconduct or violating a provision of the student code of conduct at your institution. Contact K Altman Law today to learn how we can protect your reputation while preventing your school from violating your legal rights.
We have academics and legal professionals on our team who have participated in every phase of college disciplinary procedures. Our clients rely on us to inform them of their legal rights and privileges. We also offer guidance and compassion to clients who are often anxious and nervous about the outcome of their case. Our team values education, and we work with professors, administrators, and staff at many universities and colleges throughout the United States.
What Is Title IX?
Enacted by the United States Congress in 1972, Title IX is a federal law. The core principle of Title IX is 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.
Title IX is part of several amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 known as the Education Amendments of 1972. Under Title IX, schools receiving federal funds must not discriminate against students based on sex. Also, schools must not allow sex discrimination to occur, and schools must adopt policies and procedures implementing and enforcing Title IX. The following prohibitions are only some of the conduct that is prohibited under Title IX:
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Assisting any agency, organization, or person to engage in sexual discrimination
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Enforcing student housing rules in an unequal manner based on sex
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Denying any person aid, benefits, or services on the basis of sex
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Providing different aid, benefits, or services on the basis of sex
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Treating one person differently than others when determining aid, benefits, or services
As its interpretation has evolved over the past few decades, Title IX has now become the primary mechanism schools use to address nearly every instance of sexual misconduct. Title IX was enacted to end sexual discrimination in schools.
What If I Am Facing Title IX Allegations?
Being accused of sexual misconduct is an alarming experience. You may not know the origins of the allegations. It is more than likely that a person you are close to made the Title IX allegations. Under Title IX, you must undergo an investigation. If you are found guilty, you may face severe penalties. Suspension and expulsion are the two most common sanctions enforced against those found to have committed sexual misconduct. Also, you may face public shame and ridicule even if you are found not to have committed sexual misconduct.
If you are being investigated under Title IX, it is important to retain an experienced student defense lawyer as soon as possible. Title IX cases involve many different parties and legal issues. By retaining a skilled student defense lawyer, you are doing the best thing for your academic career and your future.
Am I Guaranteed Rights Under Title IX?
One principle of Anglo-American law is that the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty. Defendants have constitutional rights that prevent them from being unjustly accused, tried, and convicted of crimes. The criminal justice system is imperfect, but affords basic rights and privileges to the accused.
Title IX is different. Title IX cases may resemble typical legal cases, but they are not. The accused in Title IX cases are given one chance to appeal the decision of the school. Typically, the appeal process goes through the Provost or President of the university or college. Sometimes schools may only permit appeals if new evidence has become available that was not considered at the time of the original decision. Also, an appeal may be granted if the accused demonstrates they suffered clear violations of Title IX procedures. Lastly, bias of the Title IX officer, Title IX investigator, or hearing panel members may be the basis of an appeal.
Contact K Altman Law Today to Schedule a Consultation
If you are facing Title IX allegations, contact K Altman Law today to schedule a consultation. The dedicated team of academics, legal professionals, and former administrators at K Altman Law has decades of experience working with students involved in Title IX cases. Contact K Altman Law today to schedule a consultation during which we can discuss the facts of your case.