A Title IX Lawyer Can Help You If Your Rights Have Been Violated
Federal law obliges all colleges and universities to provide equal treatment to students regardless of their sexual orientation. This includes the classrooms, athletic fields and housing facilities. Discrimination can occur in any of these areas. If you feel that you have been discriminated against it is essential that you seek legal advice.
School Title IX Investigations and Hearing Processes
If you have a sexual harassment or discrimination complaint, you must immediately seek out an attorney who has experience in school Title IX cases. This will ensure that you are protected during the investigation as well as during the hearing.
The federal government adopted the Title IX Lawyer Lafayette, Louisiana statute in 1972 and made it illegal for institutions of higher education to discriminate against students based on their sex. Despite this law being in force, many students still face discrimination on campus in the classroom, and in housing.
There are two ways to resolve the Title IX case: file an administrative claim with the OCR or pursue an civil Title IX lawsuit against the university. This is an independent method of resolution, and is preferred to filing an OCR administrative claim. It permits you to pursue compensation as well as any needed modifications to the school’s policy.
School Title IX Investigations
The first step in an Title IX school investigation is to determine the nature of the offense and the person who committed it. The person who is in charge of Title IX disciplinary processes can do this by looking over the circumstances and questioning witnesses. After that, he/she will be able to determine what steps need to be taken to deal with the issue.
Interim Measures
The Title IX coordinator may decide to take interim measures, which are intended to shield the complainant and respondent from further contact during the investigation as well as hearings on disciplinary matters. For example an “no contact” order is often issued, which prohibits communication between the complainant and the accused student. Modifying the accused student’s housing arrangement or altering the schedule of classes are among the most common interim measures.
These kinds of measures might not always be feasible, but it is worth to inquire if they are. This is especially true if are the complainant and you want to make sure that the authorities will not interfere with your academic or personal life during the disciplinary process.
Be aware that your Title IX disciplinary hearing investigator or decision-maker might be biased towards you. This can lead to an untrue opinion that could result in harsher punishment than what is required.
Appeals are a crucial part of the court process. Students must have access to them during Title IX hearing and investigation procedures. If the investigation or hearing doesn’t take place in time then you may appeal to an upper court or the Office of Civil Rights.
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