College & University Title IX Lawyer for Student Victims

In the college and university setting, students have a right to be free from sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual assault under Title IX. If you’ve been the victim of sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual assault at a college anywhere in the United States, you can file a complaint against the person who engaged in the misconduct. You have the right to have that person and their actions fully investigated by the school and for that person to face consequences for their actions. Consequences for the accused person can include expulsion, suspension, and other measures for students; or anything up to and including termination for staff and faculty.

A knowledgeable college and university Title IX lawyer for student victims can help ensure your allegations do not get swept under the rug and that the person responsible faces appropriate consequences.

About the Title IX Law Team

Finding a Title IX lawyer for student victims can be difficult, as it is a niche specialty area in which most attorneys do not practice. The Title IX Law Team can help connect you or your college student with an experienced Title IX lawyer who can serve as an advisor and advocate for their rights, represent them through an investigation and hearing, and well-being throughout the process.

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Title IX Violations

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sexual harassment, sexual violence, and sex discrimination at schools and colleges nationwide. Title IX determines how schools and colleges must respond to all complaints of sex-based violence and discrimination. 

Unfortunately, someone is the victim of unwelcome sexual violence in this country every 74 seconds. If you have experienced sexual violence as part of a college program, you have the right to file a Title IX complaint with your college, which begins the investigation and accountability process.

College Title IX violations can involve:

• Sexual harassment, sexual violence, and/or sexual assault 
• Date rape
• Sex with a person who is incapacitated, blacked out, or passed out from alcohol or drugs
• Sexual touching and contact that crosses the other person’s boundary, such as “taking things too far,” penetration without a condom, or having sexual intercourse when the other person consented only to something less
• Sex-based discrimination within athletic programs or classes, including unfair treatment or funding, and bias concerning student opportunities
• Sexual jokes, comments, or actions that create a hostile environment
• Quid pro quo where a staff or faculty member conditions something of value (such as grades, a promotion, or a competitive position) on the provision of certain sexual behavior or favors
• Retaliation claims when students report sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual assault
• Pregnancy discrimination

All of the above are examples of unlawful Title IX violations. Colleges are obligated to follow Title IX and afford both parties the rights required under federal law.  If you are a student victim who has experienced a violation against you, consider filing a Title IX complaint immediately.

Filing a Title IX Complaint

If you are a student wanting to file a complaint under Title IX, report your concerns to your college or university’s Title IX office. You can find the contact information for the Title IX Coordinator on the school’s website. The college Title IX policy should also be publicly posted online. According to the rules and regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of Education, once a Title IX complaint is filed, your educational institution is required to investigate all allegations that could potentially constitute a violation, unless you ask for the process to be resolved informally instead.

In most cases, the standard for substantiating a Title IX claim is whether the allegations are proven “by a preponderance of the evidence,” meaning anything more than 50%. The school bears the burden of investigating the allegations and presenting a written report to a neutral decision-maker. A Title IX attorney can assist in filing the initial complaint to ensure it has the greatest chance of success in the process.

Most college Title IX complaints culminate in a hearing, which can be stressful and traumatic. The other party’s advisor will ask you questions and scrutinize every statement you have made during the course of the investigation. This alone deters some complainants from proceeding through the process. An experienced Title IX attorney can help guide and support you through the process.

Reasons to Consult a Lawyer

As a student, you have a right to an education free from sex-based discrimination, sexual assault, and sexual harassment under Title IX.

If you are experiencing a Title IX infringement, a Title IX attorney can:

• Help you file your complaint and frame the allegations in the light most likely to succeed
• Advocate for supportive measures for you to assist you in completing your education even while this process is going on
• Provide comprehensive support throughout the process
• Review and respond to the investigator at all stages of the process
• Request and suggest witnesses and evidence to the investigator
• Act as a liaison for you with the prosecutor’s office if the case includes a potential criminal investigation
• Cross-examine witnesses and the other party at the hearing if one is held
• Protect your educational rights under federal law and Title IX
• Ensure your college follows Title IX’s requirements and affords you all rights you are entitled to under the law
• Protect you from retaliation 
• Write an appeal if you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the Title IX process

It’s Time to Hire a Title IX Lawyer for Student Victims – Contact the Title IX Law Team

At the Title IX Law Team, we’re here to help as soon as you reach out. We can connect you with an attorney who can assist and guide you through every phase of the Title IX proceedings. Contact us to find a trusted attorney who can help ease the burden on you during a stressful and often traumatic process.