Sacred Heart University Title IX Penalties
The sanctions you could face following a guilty finding in a Title IX violation are very different from those that follow a criminal conviction. Although the sanctions from a Title IX guilty finding are not as severe as criminal convictions, Sacred Heart University Title IX penalties could still fundamentally alter the course of your life, especially if attached to an accusation of sexual assault. Here is a brief overview of the sanctions Sacred Heart’s Title IX office could recommend against you and when it might make such recommendations. Contact a qualified attorney at Mark Sherman Law for guidance on your specific case.
Formal Warning
For respondents accused of comparatively minor Title IX violations, such as verbal sexual harassment, and with no prior history of student conduct issues at Sacred Heart, a written warning may be the only outcome of a Title IX proceeding. Depending on the circumstances, the school may also require the respondent to write a letter of apology to the person or people impacted by their actions, complete sensitivity classes, or similar education on campus.
Restrictions on Campus
In more serious situations involving allegations of prolonged sexual harassment, stalking, or intimate partner violence, Sacred Heart’s Title IX office may impose harsher penalties against a respondent that result in them losing certain on-campus privileges. This could entail relocation to a different dorm or off-campus housing, changes in class schedules, or being barred from using certain campus facilities.
Probation
Sacred Heart may place someone found guilty of a significant Title IX violation or with a history of several minor Title IX violations on disciplinary probation. The respondent may be required to complete specific tasks to remove this probation, such as paying financial restitution or completing anger management counseling. Both students and faculty members may be subject to this type of penalty. A qualified attorney could explain how the terms of the probationary period could differ for respondents in different positions at Sacred Heart.
Temporary Suspension or Leave of Absence
In response to allegations of extreme Title IX violations, such as criminal sexual assault, Sacred Heart has the authority to temporarily suspend students from school for a semester or longer. It can also compel faculty members to take paid or unpaid leave. Under certain circumstances, this kind of penalty may be accompanied by rescinding scholarships or removing tenure.
Permanent Expulsion or Termination
The most severe penalty Sacred Heart University can levy against someone accused of violating another person’s Title IX rights is permanent suspension from school if the respondent is a student or termination of employment if the respondent is a faculty or staff member. Typically, this penalty is only for severe offenses, which often constitute breaches of Sacred Heart’s code of conduct and the Connecticut penal code, which may be accompanied by criminal prosecution.
Contact a Qualified Attorney for Advice on Sacred Heart University Title IX Penalties
Under current Title IX regulations, Sacred Heart University has extensive freedom when deciding how to sanction people accused of violating Title IX. The school’s Title IX office can and will consider numerous factors when making this decision. As a respondent, the outcome of your case may depend heavily on how well you can explain your actions from your perspective.
Support from a seasoned Title IX lawyer could be crucial to how effective you are at telling your story and on minimizing the Sacred Heart University Title IX penalties you ultimately face. Call Mark Sherman Law to get started on your case, or click here to visit our Avvo.com profile and read verified reviews left by our past clients.