Title IX Considerations for Parents in Hartford
Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments requires federally funded schools to provide equal educational, athletic, and extracurricular opportunities to both male and female students. It also requires those schools to investigate reports of sex-based discrimination on campus and potentially impose sanctions to prevent future misconduct. If your child has filed a complaint or has been named as the respondent in one, here are some Title IX considerations for parents in Hartford that you should keep in mind.
Can Parents File Title IX Complaints on Their Child’s Behalf?
While Title IX primarily applies to colleges and universities, it also covers federally funded K-12 schools. If you are the parent of a K-12, college, or university student in Hartford who is under the age of 18, you have the right to file a formal Title IX complaint for your child if you believe they have experienced sex-based harassment, discrimination, or violence at school. You also have the right to receive written notice of any complaint that names your child as a respondent who allegedly violated another student’s Title IX rights.
However, if your child is 18 years of age or older, they are legally considered an adult even if they are still financially dependent on you or receive tuition funding from you. Accordingly, you cannot file a Title IX complaint on your child’s behalf, nor would you be automatically notified if they were to file a complaint or have a complaint filed against them.
In addition, if your adult child is involved in a Title IX case, federal law restricts their Hartford school to providing only general information, even if you ask directly regarding your parental concerns. The only way you can receive information about your child’s case is if both you and your child give explicit permission by signing a Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act release form.
What To Expect as a Parent of a Title IX Respondent
If your child is a Title IX respondent who has formally given their school permission to inform you about their case, that child has the right to name you as their advisor. You will then represent their best interests during the investigation and, if necessary, help them construct a defense to present during a disciplinary hearing. However, it is important to note that most Connecticut institutions only allow students to have one advisor. If your child chooses you to fill this role, they cannot have legal counsel advise them during their hearing.
Another issue for parents of Title IX respondents in Hartford to consider is that certain violations may also result in separate criminal charges being filed against your child. Since Title IX hearings and criminal trials have different standards of proof, it is possible for a Title IX respondent to be acquitted of criminal wrongdoing or have their criminal charges dismissed but still be found guilty and sanctioned by their school.
Contact Us if You Have Parental Concerns About Your Child’s Title IX Case in Hartford
If your child has given their school permission to talk to you about their Title IX case, they trust you enough to legally sign away their right to privacy over a very sensitive matter. With that in mind, the primary Title IX considerations for parents in Hartford should center on supporting your child at home as they go through the proceedings at school.
In addition, you should strongly consider seeking support for them from an experienced lawyer who has successfully handled similar cases. Call Mark Sherman Law today to discuss your options, or click here to read some of the 300+ verified reviews left by past clients on our Avvo profile.