Pennsylvania Title IX Lawyer
If you are a Pennsylvania college student facing sexual assault, rape, or sexual harassment allegations, it is important to know your rights under Title IX. Your university’s Title IX procedures may be designed to protect accusers, making it difficult to defend yourself and receive a fair and unbiased investigation.
To avoid the consequences of a wrongful Title IX disciplinary process, hire a knowledgeable Pennsylvania Title IX lawyer. A knowledgeable student defense attorney can help you navigate your specific school’s Title IX processes, including the investigation and hearing, and ensure your rights are being protected every step of the way.
What is Title IX?
Title IX is a federal law that holds colleges responsible for timely and unbiased responses to gender-based discrimination, including sexual assault, sexual violence, and sexual harassment. This civil rights law applies to all college students attending federally-funded universities, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.
Title IX includes specific steps a school must take to address reports of sex-based discrimination and provides a framework for investigating these issues. The overall goal of Title IX is to make sure gender-based discrimination does not occur on college campuses.
Almost all higher education institutions receive federal funding, meaning almost every school in Pennsylvania is required to comply with Title IX.
Types of Pennsylvania Title IX Cases
Under Title IX, all forms of sexual misconduct are considered to be gender-based discrimination. As a result, the following violations are against the code of conduct of many Pennsylvania universities:
- Sexual harassment
- Rape
- Sexual assault
- Sexual battery
- Sexual coercion
- Sexual intimidation
- Unwanted touching
- Stalking
Potential Consequences for Title IX Violations
For accused students, the consequences of a Title IX investigation can come with harsh penalties that can affect their reputation and even the trajectory of their entire lives. Possible risks include suspension, loss of scholarships, expulsion, and permanent disciplinary charges on their student record. This can affect admission to other colleges and graduate schools and can even work against someone looking for professional employment.
Additionally, it is important to understand that Title IX investigations are completely separate from criminal investigations. If the reported behavior is against the law—or if the reporter makes a police report—both a criminal investigation and a Title IX investigation may take place concurrently. This means accused students may also be facing criminal penalties along with their school’s penalties. A tenacious attorney could help individuals build a defense against the charges.
Rights of Accused Students and Employees Under Title IX
People who are accused of sexual misconduct on Pennsylvania college campuses—whether they are students, employees, or faculty members—have certain rights throughout the Title IX investigation and hearing process. The first is the right to a prompt, fair, and impartial review of the report. They also have the following rights:
- The right to ask questions about the Title IX process
- The right to have an advisor in the room during all Title IX-related meetings and interviews
- The right to participate equally in the investigation (identify witnesses, present evidence, etc.)
- The right to seek counseling services and access campus support resources
Get Help From a Pennsylvania Title IX Attorney Today
If you have been accused of sex-based discrimination on a Pennsylvania college campus, it is important to reach out to an attorney who is well-versed in Title IX laws and processes.
A Pennsylvania Title IX lawyer may be able to prevent the long-lasting consequences that come with a Title IX report. They can advocate on your behalf, gather crucial evidence, and make sure your university is conducting a fair and unbiased investigation. Contact us as soon as possible find out how we can assist you.