As the formal process continues, school investigators or those similarly trained may investigate the allegation. Besides speaking to the complainant and yourself, they may interview witnesses or review evidence such as emails, text messages, pictures, or other reports. The investigation generates a report which aids [...]

If charges are brought, it is common for a Panel to be used. A Panel should be well educated about the school’s Title IX policy and it may consist of professors, supervisory athletic instructors, other employees, and even students. A Panel serves like a “judge [...]

Within such a proceeding, your rights are severely limited as compared to a criminal proceeding. However, there are some protections afforded you including the right to: Be considered not responsible for the charges against you. Have an advisor such as a Title IX lawyer or [...]

The Panel will decide if you are responsible for none, one, some, or all the allegations. Colleges choose from one of two standards. One is by “a preponderance of the evidence” meaning they think it is more likely than not that you are responsible. Another [...]

Most Title IX policies allow for at least one appeal. They usually do not allow you to argue that the Panel weighed the evidence wrong, but instead that the school’s Title IX policy is improper for some reason; or it is proper but it was [...]

Yes.  There is a special proceeding in New York called an “Article 78” proceeding that will allow a New York State court to review the actions and decisions of the college or university. These cases usually need to be brought within very limited time constraints [...]

You may have heard that the Federal Government has issued key provisions that schools should implement to take Title IX allegations seriously, both for a complainant and for a respondent. They were released in May 2020 and require colleges and universities to comply with them [...]

Sanctions vary from institution to institution, however, possible sanctions should be outlined in your college or university’s code of conduct. Sanctions can range from probation with specific monitoring terms, required counseling, specific education requirements, suspension ranging from one semester up to several years, or permanent [...]