Equal Access to Education

What is Title IX?

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination in education on the basis of sex. Universities have created procedures to investigate claims of rape, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination. Most universities investigate all forms of discrimination through their Title IX office, including race, ethnicity, gender, national origin, religion, pregnancy, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected statuses.

do i need an attorney?

The Title IX procedures allow the Title IX office to conduct an investigation into any complaint of civil rights or sex-based discrimination or violence claim. The procedures allow both the complainant and the respondent (i.e., defendant) to have an advisor present throughout the process. While you are not required to have an attorney assist you, it’s often a good idea. An attorney familiar with the process can guide you through the process, help you make decisions about what type of resolution is most appropriate for your case, and help ensure that the University follows its own procedures.

what can i expect?

If you have been accused of a Title IX violation, you can expect to be contacted by a Title IX investigator and asked to come in for an interview. This interview will form the basis of an investigative report that the University will use to determine whether they want to impose sanctions. For students, these sanctions can range from a warning all the way to expulsion from the University. For staff and faculty members, sanctions range from a warning to suspension without pay and dismissal for cause proceedings.

Title IX investigations can move very quickly – sometimes within days of a complaint being filed – so it’s important to act fast. Before meeting with an investigator, talking over your situation with someone familiar with the process is always a good idea. Contact our experienced attorneys now to make sure you know what to expect.