Colleges and university campuses have become major hot spots for the “Me Too” movement, and Title IX complaints against students and faculty are one of the ways in which this playing out. Title IX protects students against sexual assault and harassment on campus, but the problem is that not all accusations are justified. Innocent people can get swept up in the process and the consequences can be serious and long-lasting. An experienced Title IX attorney can provide much-needed guidance in this type of situation.
If you have been accused of violating this federal rule, you might already be experiencing the consequences; including suspension if you are a student. But you have rights – and a skilled lawyer from Leifert & Leifert can help you in defending against Title IX charges in Boca Raton.
What Are Some Title IX Charges?
Title IX is a federal law designed to prevent and address sex-based discrimination in schools. The law covers a variety of unwelcome sexual misconduct including sexual assault, revenge porn, sexual harassment, stalking, and rape. Schools are required to investigate this type of behavior, and the filing of a complaint by an accuser triggers the Title IX process.
Yet not all Title IX accusations are fair or legitimate. Sometimes the incident that happened was just mistake or misunderstanding. Perhaps the accuser consented to the activity or even made up the accusation because they were angry and wanted to get back at the person they are accusing. Another issue is mistaken identity, when the accuser files the complaints against the wrong person because they do not have an accurate recollection of what happened and who was involved. In cases such as this in Boca Raton, it is even more important to have assistance in defending against charges in a Title IX proceeding.
Your Rights During the Title IX Process
Even though Title IX can sometimes be used in an unfair way, you are entitled to due process rights in a Boca Raton Title IX proceeding and are likely to have a better outcome if you exercise those rights in defending yourself against the charges. You have the right to an equitable process, an unbiased investigation, a hearing in which you can present a defense and cross-examine witnesses, and in some cases, the right to appeal the decision.
One of the most important rights an accused has is the right to be assisted by an advisor, who could also be an attorney. At Leifert & Leifert, our attorneys are skilled in key areas like reviewing evidence and cross-examining witness, and we can bring this experience to bear in helping prepare a Title IX defense.
Potential Consequences
Individuals who are found to have violated Title IX face notable consequences. Students can be placed on disciplinary probation, evicted from campus, suspended, or even expelled. They can lose scholarships and forfeit tuition that has been paid. They might be shunned by the community and have their future educational and professional opportunities thwarted. Faculty and staff can lose their jobs and the reputations they worked for years to cultivate.
Given the serious consequences, it is important to take the necessary steps to defend against Title IX charges in Boca Raton.
Call for Help in Defending Against Title IX Accusations in Boca Raton
Discrimination based on sex can often manifest on school campuses, but everyone deserves a fair hearing if they are accused. If you have been notified that you are being investigated for potentially violating Title IX, the potential ramifications are too serious to ignore. There are always two sides to a story, and you want to make sure that your side comes to light by defending against Title IX charges in Boca Raton.
At Leifert & Leifert, one of our lawyers can be your advisor during this process. Call us today for a free case evaluation.
