Title IX Defense

New York Title IX Defense Lawyer

Defending Clients Accused of Title IX Violations Throughout New York

Any educational institution that receives federal funding is subject to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, a federal civil rights law prohibiting sex discrimination in education programs and activities. While a popular belief is only college athletic programs are subject to Title IX, that is not true. Title IX laws apply to every aspect of education, including:

  • Courses
  • Counseling services
  • Financial aid
  • Student health and insurance benefits
  • Housing
  • Physical education
  • Employment

Public and private colleges, occupational, trade, high, middle, and elementary schools that get federal financial assistance must comply with Title IX. Anyone and any group who believes a Title IX violation occurred at these schools or programs may file a complaint with their local Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

Unfortunately, the freedom for anyone to file a complaint carries a high risk for the accused. Whether or not the allegations are true, alleged Title IX offenders must undergo investigations, disciplinary hearings, and, potentially, the criminal justice system. Those processes alone can tarnish an accused person’s or institution’s reputation and livelihood, which is why Title IX proceedings must be investigated and adjudicated relatively and in accordance with your due process rights.


Are you facing a Title IX violation? Call Hamilton Clarke, LLP today at (646) 603-0522 or contact us online to start your defense with our Title IX defense attorney near you! 


What is Considered a Title IX Violation?

Title IX complaints span a vast range of sex-based discrimination beyond sexual harassment and assault, although those allegations are among the most common. Generally, violations include:

Sexual harassment and/or assault:

  • Dating violence
  • Domestic violence
  • Attempted or completed rape
  • Fondling or unwanted sexual touching
  • Forcing a victim to perform sexual acts
  • Stalking
  • Unwelcome conduct that is so severe, pervasive, and offensive that it denies a person equal access to an education program or activity
  • Utilizing an educational benefit or service in exchange for another person’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct (“quid pro quo” harassment)

Title IX Retaliation

Retaliation includes acts such as giving failing grades, barring students from participating in school activities, and threatening to suspend or expel anyone using their Title IX rights. Other examples of unlawful retaliation include:

  • Getting little to no playtime (for student-athletes)
  • Being held to higher, unfair standards than others
  • Getting demoted to a lower employment, academic or athletic position

Title IX Hostile Environment

Hostile environment: Bullying and harassment create an unsafe environment for both students and school administrators to function. A hostile environment can occur when discriminatory or sexual situations foster fear and intimidation. As a result, a person may be denied or limited in their ability to participate in or benefit from a program, activity, or job. Examples of actions that could foster a hostile environment include:

  • Slurs
  • Taunts/name-calling
  • Stereotypes
  • Gender-motivated physical threats and/or attacks
  • Gender-motivated physical attacks

What are Common Issues in Title IX Investigations?

Our New York Title IX defense lawyers use a risk assessment approach to identify potential issues that could negatively affect your case and work to minimize them before they become actual issues. From our experience, we’ve seen where Title IX proceedings may be flawed so much that they hinder both parties’ right to a fair hearing. Flaws we have seen include:

Biased investigators: Although one might think a law enforcement officer investigates Title IX cases, the reality is that a university will hire an investigator to handle this step. And although some investigators are better than others, it can still be difficult for a school-hired investigator to conduct an unbiased investigation. For instance, what if they discover that the university ― their employer ― was at fault? That means the funding for their employer is on the line, which could motivate the investigator to turn a blind eye to critical details in a case.

Gathering evidence: Many universities and programs conduct Title IX investigations rapidly, leaving little time to hear all sides of the story. This can lead to exculpatory information (i.e., proof of innocence) being left out of the investigative process, especially when alleged victims and witnesses don’t feel comfortable sharing the full story with investigators. It doesn’t help that investigators get to choose what information is essential and what is not, especially when they may be working in the best interests of their employer.

Interpreting evidence: Since Title IX investigators are responsible for determining whether evidence is directly related to an allegation of sexual misconduct, they must act accordingly. This means investigators must thoroughly evaluate the evidence from an unbiased standpoint, ignoring their “gut feelings” and implicit biases. However, they are humans, and humans aren’t perfect, which could create unintended consequences for the accused.

With this in mind, our New York Title IX defense attorneys will work to leave no stone unturned in your Title IX case and ensure all parties are doing their part to maintain a fair and legal proceeding.

Contact a Title IX Defense Lawyer Near You Today

Our Title IX defense attorneys understand that our clients’ jobs, education, reputations, and even freedoms are on the line amid a Title IX accusation, which is why our Title IX defense lawyers go the extra mile to ensure they receive fair and unbiased treatment at every stage of the process. We are deeply knowledgeable and experienced with the Title IX grievance process and will hold all parties accountable for doing their part to ensure a responsible and reliable outcome is reached.


Contact Hamilton Clarke, LLP today to schedule a consultation with our Title IX defense lawyer in New York! 


 

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