March 28, 2023 | Title IX

Title IX bans sex discrimination in federally funded institutions. The law covers many different types of sex discrimination. This includes discrimination in athletics, classes, and financial aid at federally funded colleges and universities. It also requires schools to investigate allegations of sexual harassment and sexual violence. Even those made by one student against another. 

Most schools have a set procedure for reporting Title IX violations and an investigation process. If a student is found to have engaged in sexual misconduct, they may be placed on probation, suspended, or expelled.

In Kentucky, there are 27 Title IX sex discrimination cases pending in elementary, secondary, and high schools. Unfortunately, finding accurate statistics on the number of pending cases in Kentucky universities is difficult. 

If you are being investigated for Title IX allegations, you may be stressed, overwhelmed, and scared. Perhaps you are worried about getting kicked out of school or being mislabeled as a sexual predator. Fortunately, there are ways to cope with the stress of Title IX allegations.

Hire A Lawyer To Represent You

The best way to cope is to hire a Lexington Title IX lawyer to help you through the investigation. A lawyer can explain the process, represent you at disciplinary hearings, and negotiate with the school. 

Furthermore, a criminal defense lawyer can also help to protect you in a criminal case. If the Title IX allegation is a sex crime, you may be at risk of criminal prosecution. Depending on the severity of the allegations, you might face sexual assault or rape charges. A conviction can result in significant prison time and potentially having to register as a sex offender. 

In many ways, criminal charges are even more serious than a Title IX allegation. A criminal lawyer will know how to mitigate criminal consequences from the beginning. 

They can:

  • Help you avoid making incriminating statements during the investigation
  • Advise you on your criminal rights
  • Collect evidence from the Title IX case for use later in a criminal case
  • Attend Title IX hearings 

By hiring a lawyer, you can ensure a more favorable outcome in both your Title IX case and potential criminal case.

Seek Mental Health Treatment 

If you are the subject of Title IX allegations, you should seek mental health treatment. It doesn’t matter whether the allegations are baseless or not. 

The reality is that Title IX allegations are very stressful for students. You may be worried about getting kicked out of school or the investigation jeopardizing your future. This can result in a variety of mental health conditions, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • PTSD
  • Substance abuse 
  • Anger and outbursts 

Therapy and mental health treatment can help you constructively work through your feelings. It will help you keep the investigation in perspective and avoid feeling that your life is over. You may not be able to control what happens during the investigation, but you can control your reaction.

Learn About The Title IX Investigation Process 

Learning about the Title IX process can help you decrease the stress of the unexpected. Most schools have a dedicated Title IX department and a formal policy that outlines the process. 

In general, Title IX investigations look something like this:

  • A formal complaint is lodged against you
  • You are given notice of the complaint
  • A Title IX investigator interviews both parties and collects evidence
  • The Title IX investigator writes a report 
  • The report and evidence are provided to both parties to prepare for a formal hearing
  • At the formal hearing, both parties, or their lawyers, question each other, and witnesses
  • The hearing officer makes a decision based on all of the evidence presented
  • If the hearing officer determines the allegations are true, they will decide on sanctions
  • The responding party can appeal the finding and/or sanctions 

Unfortunately, the Title IX process can take years to complete depending on the complexity of the case. 

If you have questions about your rights concerning a Title IX complaint, contact Suhre & Associates, LLC today to schedule a free consultation.

Contact the Lexington Title IX Attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC For Help Today

For more information, contact the Title IX attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC give us a call today at (859) 569-4014 or visit us at our Lexington law office.

Suhre & Associates, LLC – Lexington
333 West Vine Street #212
Lexington, KY 40507
United States