Title IX Legal Defense
Title IX/Title 9/Title Nine
Have you been accused of sexual assault, sexual harassment or other discriminatory conduct by someone in your academic institution and the school as started "Title IX proceedings?" While this is not a criminal process, it may result in suspension or expulsion from school. As a respondent, you have rights. The school must go through a formal process before any penalties can be levied against you, and you are entitled to legal representation throughout.
Joseph Owens is trained as a Title IX counsel and has represented clients accused of Title IX violations throughout the Maryland educational system. Owens Law, LLC provides comprehensive representation, from the initial accusation, written rebuttal process, through the disciplinary hearing.
What is Title IX?
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 bans discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. Title IX states, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
While originally an anti-discrimination statute, the law categorizes accusations of assault and sexual assault as discrimination actions, and therefore subject to Title IX procedures and academic consequences.
The process for Title IX varies between educational institutions, however, they generally follow these steps:
1. The Title IX office gathers information and then contacts the alleged victim to discuss available resources, reporting options, and procedures.
2. The alleged victim provides a complete statement and signs a formal complaint, or the Title IX Coordinator signs a formal complaint requesting an investigation.
3. A determination is made as to whether the reported behavior meets the Title IX definition of sexual assault or harassment. At this stage, the educational institution can take appropriate measures to reduce contact between the parties.
4. The alleged victim and respondent are notified and informed about the process and resources available to them.
5. An investigator is assigned.
6. The investigator conducts interviews with the alleged victim and witnesses, gathering evidence and reviewing related documents and materials.
7. The investigation concludes, and the investigator drafts a report containing all relevant information, which the Title IX Coordinator then reviews.
8. The investigative report and all evidence are made accessible for review and comments by the alleged victim and respondent.
9. The alleged victim and respondent are given all the information that will be used at the hearing.
10. The hearing officer conducts a hearing, allowing parties to cross-examine each other and witnesses.
11. After the hearing, responsibility is determined based on the relevant information presented.
12. Sanctions may be recommended.
Contact Us
Call the Owens Law Firm, LLC for a free consultation on your Title IX case.