Title IX Violations
Campus allegations of a sexual nature go through a university’s code of conduct procedures as Title IX violations. They will be resolved by a Title IX hearing.
Title IX is a federal civil rights law. It was enacted as part of the Education Amendment Act of 1972. Its original intent was to prohibit gender discrimination among students, faculty, and employees of educational institutions.
In 1992 the U.S. Supreme Court expanded Title IX protections to include sexual assaults. Since then, the meaning and definition of sexual harassment and assault have shifted while widening. They now encompass more behaviors and actions than before.
Whatever the allegation, a Title IX hearing is serious. It’s serious for the accused, the accuser, and the college. While the accused and accuser are seeking a fair hearing and justice, a college’s federal funding may be cut if it does not investigate and act quickly and decisively.
The stakes are enormous for all parties.
It is imperative that you call an attorney as soon as possible. The process can move dizzyingly fast. Rights you may take for granted are not applicable in Title IX hearings.
You need legal advice. Now.
The attorneys at The Hahn Legal Group APC have experience with every aspect of Title IX hearings.
Title IX Offenses and Hearings
Title IX allegations include, but are not limited to:
- Sexual Harassment.
- Sexual Assault.
- Dating Violence.
- Lack of consent.
- Domestic Violence.
- Stalking.
- Dating Violence.
- Domestic Violence.
- Stalking.
- Video recording and sharing.
- Exposure.
- Unwanted touching.
Federal Law to Promptly Investigate
When a complaint is made against a student the school is obligated under federal law to promptly investigate. Methods vary from school to school.
Some elements are universal. Title IX hearings are conducted on campus. Proceedings begin when a school receives a complaint. The school appoints an investigator. A panel is named to review the matter. Evidence is gathered, statements are taken.
When an investigation is opened the school can impose sanctions against the accused student. They can enforce a "no-contact with the victim and/or witnesses" order. They can issue a temporary suspension from school, campus, and/or NCAA sports. They can terminate the accused’s work study employment. The accused may be banned from student housing until the matter is concluded.
Any or all of these actions, even if temporary, may have a compounding effect on a student’s continuing education.
Attorneys may appear with students at hearings but are not usually permitted to speak. The school appoints an "advisor" to guide the accused through the process. That advisor should never be confused with a lawyer.
It is imperative that when notified of the prospect of a Title IX complaint the accused student immediately consults an attorney.
The Hahn Legal Group APC will work with you from the moment you become aware of a Title IX complaint. We will review the accusation and the evidence. We will organize a defense while apprising you of all your options.
How to Present Yourself
Most importantly, we take you through how to present yourself and answer the panel’s questions. We cannot stress how import it is to be thoroughly prepared for hearings. Unlike criminal cases, the standard of proof in a Title IX matter is not “beyond a reasonable doubt.” It is the much laxer “preponderance of the evidence.”
It is, then, essential that you have all the tools available to represent yourself as effectively as possible – under stress and in what could be a hostile environment.
Well-informed, prepared, organized and confident enough to handle hard questions while offering some of your own and keeping a level head goes a long way toward a successful outcome.
The Hahn Legal Group APC has the experience to get you there.
In California, Hahn Legal Group APC represents clients wherever the school is. We’ve represented students in San Diego, and Southern California including Los Angeles, Imperial, Inyo, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. We also work with students throughout Northern California’s Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma counties.
