College Park Title IX Lawyer
Title IX is a federal law that encourages educational providers to ensure that all students, regardless of gender, have an equal opportunity to enjoy all the experiences that the school has to offer. Typically, it is the educational facility that must comply with Title IX.
However, if a student or other person employed the school engages in some behavior that alleged affects another student’s experience at the university because of the alleged victim’s sex, the school may seek to punish the alleged actor.
If you are concerned about possible allegations of a Title IX violation or any harassment charges from a school disciplinary committee, you may wish to speak with an attorney. These types of proceedings do not offer the same protection as a court proceeding does.
A College Park Title IX lawyer may be invaluable as you navigate a process where very little information is available publicly and the outcome of which may drastically affect your life.
Reason for Title IX in College Park Schools
In the past, female students often faced discrimination in educational facilities, especially when it came to athletic programs. The federal government recognized this issue and passed Title IX to ensure that all students had equal access to all the benefits available at federally-funded schools. Today, men, women and transgendered people may rely on this law to fight for their rights if they receive unequal treatment.
Any action brought under Title IX is a civil action. While the government may also bring criminal charges, if appropriate, a civil action has a lower standard of proof to find a defendant guilty. That means that it is easier to find a person guilty in a civil lawsuit than a criminal action. However, the government may submit any evidence presented during a civil action during a criminal proceeding.
Prohibited Acts Under Title IX
If a student accuses another person of doing something which affects that student’s experience at university because of the student’s gender, the school may decide to take action. The school does this to avoid a penalty from the federal government, such as paying a fine to the affected student or losing federal funding. A student may accuse another person of the following:
- Creating a hostile environment,
- Sexual harassment,
- Sexual assault, or
- Rape.
There are many other acts prohibited by Title IX, but the above-listed laws are the ones a student may complain that another student may have done which affects the alleged victim’s experience at school.
University Punishment for Title IX Violations
If an alleged victim complains to the educational facility of some mistreatment that affects the student’s experience at school, the school may initiate a disciplinary proceeding against the alleged actor. The school may claim the so-called actor violated the code of conduct. Sanctions may include loss of scholarships, being asked to leave student housing, suspension or expulsion.
Title IX Proceedings
The disciplinary board may investigate any allegation of misconduct of one student towards another. The school may collect evidence, hear testimony, hold a hearing and make a decision based on all the evidence presented. A student may be allowed to bring representation. If not, an accused student may at least prepare for a hearing and present evidence with the help of a lawyer. An attorney may also be able to aid a student in understanding if the procedure is fair and complies with the rules of Title IX.
Speak with a College Park Title IX Attorney Today
If you or someone you know has been accused of violating Title IX or some school rule, you may be worried about the accused’s future. If a school board finds a student guilty of violating a Title IX provision, that person may lose the chance to pursue the education they wanted or be able to work in their chosen field.
Some schools may offer the accused an advisor to help the student through the process. However, some advisors may not be as knowledgeable about the process as an attorney and may not be required to keep information shared confidential.
Instead, you may wish to receive help from a College Park Title IX lawyer who knows the process and can help ensure you receive a fair hearing and you have the most excellent opportunity to present your case to the school.