Title IX Consulting and Advisement at Sacred Heart University
If you are a student or faculty member whose rights have been violated, or you have been accused of violating someone else’s rights, or if you are a school administrator tasked with investigating an alleged violation, Title IX can be a frustratingly vague and complex piece of federal legislation to work around. Fortunately, our capable attorneys at Mark Sherman Law can consult and advise you concerning your Title IX inquiries. We have years of experience helping people through every aspect of the Title IX case process.
Understanding the Basics of Title IX
Title IX became federal law in 1972, alongside numerous amendments to other federal laws governing publicly funded schools in the United States. The opening text of Title IX establishes its purpose fairly clearly: the prevention of discrimination, denial of benefits, and exclusion from participation in any education program “on the basis of sex.” In practice, though, the interpretation and enforcement of Title IX at the federal level has evolved significantly and continues to evolve today. This is why it is important to consult with and seek advice from a Title IX attorney for such matters at Sacred Heart University.
Currently, Title IX requires all K-12 schools, colleges, and universities that receive any federal funding to employ a Title IX coordinator whose job is to establish and enforce procedures on campus for preventing sex-based discrimination. There must be a means for students and faculty members who have experienced such discrimination to confidently report the violation to their school’s Title IX office. Some examples include illegal acts such as sexual assault as well as institutional harm such as unfair denial of a promotion.
The Title IX office must then conduct a fair and impartial investigation into the matter. The investigator must provide supportive measures to minimize disruption to the academic career of the complainant who filed the report. They must also conduct a hearing allowing the complainant and the respondent to present evidence in support of their positions. Finally, the Title IX office must take proactive action after the hearing to prevent similar violations from reoccurring on campus. This action may include sanctions against the respondent such as loss of on-campus privileges, suspension, or expulsion.
Why Do You Need Professional Legal Help With a Title IX Claim?
As mentioned, Title IX tends to be an immensely complex process in both legal and practical terms. While the university allows attorneys to accompany students or faculty members into Title IX hearings, they are not allowed to speak on behalf of the respondent or complainant. Only during cross-examination are attorneys allowed to question witnesses on behalf of their advisee. Therefore, advisement from our seasoned Title IX attorneys could be crucial to prepare you for a Sacred Heart hearing and to help you effectively handle other aspects of the investigation.
Similarly, our capable lawyers could help administrators in Sacred Heart’s Title IX office understand and comply with every requirement of federal law. Likewise, we could offer up-to-date guidance on how changes in Title IX enforcement at the federal level may impact school policies and the well-being of individual students and faculty members.
Consult With a Qualified Attorney About a Title IX Claim at Sacred Heart University
Title IX is a landmark legislative achievement, particularly in the support it provides women’s athletic programs at colleges and universities across the United States. However, when it comes to enforcing your rights or fulfilling your legal obligations under Title IX, this law can sometimes be more intimidating than inspiring.
Seeking Title IX consulting and advisement at Sacred Heart University from our knowledgeable legal professionals could be a key first step toward overcoming that fear and protecting your best interests. Call Mark Sherman Law today to learn more, or read some of the 300+ verified reviews on our Avvo.com profile by clicking here.