Richland County Title IX Lawyer

The Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act, better known in Richland County as “Title IX,” is a federal law intended to prevent discrimination on the basis of sex, and to provide all students with equal opportunities in educational programs that receive funding from the federal government.

Virtually all colleges and universities receive federal funds in one form or another, so this provision is widely applied to colleges. Interpretation of the Title IX requirements has expanded over the years. Now colleges are expected to take measures to prevent sexual violence or misconduct on campus and to discipline those accused of such conduct. Schools do not want to be accused of violating Title IX by allowing the continuance of sexual harassment or a hostile learning environment. In response, many universities and colleges have imposed rigorous standards and enforcement procedures.

Students accused of Title IX violations may not face criminal charges, but the effects of a school disciplinary proceeding can have a tremendous impact on their future. That is why many families work with a Richland County Title IX lawyer. A dedicated student defense attorney who understands the potential damage that could result from Title IX disciplinary hearings could help defend against the charges and work to minimize the impact.

Title IX Cases Differ from Most Legal Cases

In many situations where one person alleges that another acted inappropriately in some way, the case involves a violation of a criminal statute or civil law. Courts usually have issued decisions interpreting these laws that establish precedent. In addition, particularly in criminal law situations, the law provides procedural rules to protect the rights of the accused.

By contrast, in cases where a Title IX violation is alleged, a student is accused of violating school rules. These rules may be subject to frequent change and generally have not been subject to court interpretation establishing legal precedent. Perhaps more importantly, the rules will be applied in a school disciplinary proceeding that does not provide the same protections as a court of law. The accused student will not typically have the right to question the person making the accusation against them.

Often, school policies do not meet fairness standards. An experienced Richland County Title IX lawyer may be able to argue successfully that the policies are unfair as written or are being applied in an unfair manner.

How a Title IX Lawyer Can Assist You

Each college or university establishes unique rules for disciplinary proceedings. Some schools do not allow students to be represented by an attorney during a hearing. However, a knowledgeable Title IX lawyer in Richland County could help the student prepare for the hearing including planning statements and preparing to answer likely questions.

It is also to a student’s advantage to obtain legal advice before or during the investigation process to avoid taking actions or making statements that give the wrong appearance. A diligent attorney could examine the rules to determine whether it will be possible to submit expert testimony and other forms of persuasive evidence. If so, a lawyer could use such evidence to their advantage.

Schools often provide an assistant or advisor to help a student facing a Title IX disciplinary action. But that advisor will be an employee of the school, and statements made to the advisor could be used against the accused student. When students work with a dedicated defense attorney, they can be sure that their information will be kept in confidence and used only to help their case.

Get Help from a Richland County Title IX Attorney Today

Title IX proceedings may have life-changing consequences. A student could be expelled, suspended, publicly humiliated, and acquire a record that damages prospects for future education and employment. Moreover, a Title IX action could lead to criminal charges. Our state has no statute of limitations on criminal offenses, so someone could face legal charges years later for an event that happened while they were in college.

Help from a Richland County Title IX lawyer could protect a student’s record and prevent loss of future opportunities. It may even be possible for an attorney to negotiate a settlement with the school before a hearing. To learn your options, call for a consultation.