Title IX Consulting and Advisement in Stamford
Title IX prohibits all forms of sex-based discrimination in institutions of higher learning that receive federal funding and sets numerous requirements that schools must meet to continue receiving such funding.
As anyone who has ever been personally involved in a Title IX case may tell you, that brief description hardly encompasses just how wide-reaching the requirements set by this federal registration can be, and how challenging it often is to report—let alone contest a report of—sex-based discrimination at a school subject to those requirements. If you are a student, faculty member, or school administrator with questions about any Title IX matter, you should strongly consider seeking Title IX consulting and advisement in Stamford from the experienced attorneys at Mark Sherman Law.
What Does Title IX Require Schools to Do?
First and foremost, Title IX requires all federally funded colleges and universities to establish a Title IX Coordinator position within their administration and hire someone specifically to serve in that role. If a student or faculty member at the school reports sex-based discrimination or sexual violence that occurred on school property or during a school event, the Title IX Coordinator must respond in a way that is not deliberately indifferent.
This typically entails speaking with the complainant as well as the respondent who allegedly harmed them, advising the complainant about their right to file a formal Title IX complaint as well as the procedures for doing so, and conducting a thorough and impartial investigation into any such formal complaint that is made. After the investigation concludes, the school must follow an established decision-making process—for example, an in-person hearing with all involved parties—to determine the measures needed to address the rights violation in question and prevent future violations.
The Rights of Students and Faculty to Report Discrimination
As mentioned above, both students and faculty members of federally funded schools are protected by Title IX. Individuals belonging to either group have the right to confidentially report sexual discrimination, violence, or abuse to their school’s Title IX Coordinator. Once a formal report is made, complainants also have the right to be protected from further harassment or violence and to have reasonable accommodations made to keep their academic career on track.
Depending on the circumstances, accommodations can range from rescheduling exams and being allowed to drop classes without penalty, to having new housing arrangements, access to counseling, as well as various other support services. If appropriate, complainants also have the right to request the issuance of a no-contact order against the respondent named in their complaint pending the results from the school’s investigation into the complaints.
A Stamford Attorney Can Provide Title IX Consulting and Advisement
This is far from a comprehensive overview of what obligations schools have under Title IX and what rights are provided to students and faculty members. Every Title IX case is different, and the right approach to one case may be completely different from another.
With all that in mind, the best course of action when dealing with these types of claims from any side is to have guidance from an experienced legal professional who has handled all kinds of Title IX proceedings successfully in the past. Contact Mark Sherman Law today for Title IX consulting and advisement in Stamford, and click here to read verified reviews from past clients on our Avvo.com profile.