Quinnipiac Title IX Penalties
The primary purpose of Title IX is to proactively prevent sex-based discrimination at federally funded schools and to minimize further disruption to the academic careers of students or faculty members who experience such discrimination. Because of that, the goal of a Title IX investigation is typically to protect the best interests of the complainant and the school’s community as a whole.
With that said, the practical repercussions of an adjudication of guilt can still be long-lasting and potentially life-altering, and there is also a lot that a skilled lawyer can do to help reduce the severity of sanctions. Here are some of the more common Quinnipiac Title IX penalties encountered by our Title IX lawyers, as well as a brief overview of the impact that supportive measures can inadvertently have on a respondent.
Possible Sanctions Against a Title IX Respondent
The penalties that can stem from a Title IX case at Quinnipiac can vary substantially depending on the type of Title IX violation, who it impacted and what can be done to address the harm done and/or prevent further harm. Some minor issues can be resolved with a verbal warning and a mandated written letter of apology, while more serious allegations may lead to a respondent being barred from using campus facilities, temporarily suspended, or even permanently expelled.
It is worth mentioning that some Title IX violations also qualify as violations of the Connecticut Penal Code, and an ensuing criminal conviction in a Connecticut court could lead to penalties like fines, probation, and/or jail or prison time. However, because different standards of proof apply to Title IX cases compared to criminal ones, an adjudication of guilt through Quinnipiac’s internal Title IX process will not guarantee a conviction in criminal court, and vice versa.
What Supportive Measures Could Be Part of a Title IX Case?
By the letter of federal law, supportive measures for Title IX complainants are not supposed to be penalties or punishments for anyone, and schools like Quinnipiac are expected to maintain a fair and impartial stance towards all involved parties during Title IX investigations. In practice, though, certain supportive measures can wind up causing undue harm to respondents simply by virtue of what they are designed to do for complainants.
For example, if a complainant is allowed to change class schedules or living arrangements as part of their supportive measures, the respondent to their complaint may be forced to change their own schedules or move to different housing as a result, even if the investigation into their alleged Title IX violation is still ongoing. Working closely with an experienced legal representative can be key to ensuring that complainants are sufficiently protected without infringing too greatly on the rights and best interests of respondents.
Learn More About Quinnipiac Title IX Penalties From a Seasoned Attorney
Even if you are not found to have violated anyone’s Title IX rights at the conclusion of an investigation and hearing, the measures you may be subject to while your case is ongoing can still be highly detrimental to your academic, professional, and personal life. The repercussions of an adjudication of guilt can be even more severe, especially if it is accompanied by charges pursued in criminal court.
In both scenarios, assistance from a knowledgeable lawyer can be key to mitigating Quinnipiac Title IX penalties as a respondent. Call Mark Sherman Law to discuss your options, and click here to visit our Avvo.com profile and read some of the 300+ verified reviews we have received from past clients.