What You Should Know Going into a Title IX Disciplinary Hearing

Title IX disciplinary hearings stem from alleged violations of a federal law that makes universities and educational programs that receive public funding prohibit and handle matters involving discrimination, harassment, and sexual assault or violence. Over the past several years, these issues have become a top concern for educational institutions across the country, including many public universities, colleges, and educational programs in Minnesota.

At Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A., our Minnesota lawyers have become known as experienced and aggressive advocates for clients who are facing disciplinary hearings under Title IX, including students, professors, and others who may face allegations. Because Title IX violations and hearings are not very familiar to most people, individuals who face these hearings often have many questions about their rights and how the process works.

Our team always takes the time to listen to the situation at hand and thoroughly discuss what to expect during free consultations that focus on the unique facts and circumstances of a case. To help you gain a better understanding of what you can generally expect when going into a Title IX disciplinary hearing, we’ve put together a few key points:

These are not criminal cases – Unlike many may believe, Title IX hearings are not criminal cases. They are handled exclusively by the administrative body of a university or federally funded educational program. Typically, they concern the determination of whether someone violated school policies on harassment, discrimination, or sexual consent. Although these matters may result in criminal charges, criminal cases will be handled separately from Title IX hearings, if there are any at all.
The penalties can be stiff – The nature of an allegation will always impact the type of punishment a person faces during Title IX hearings. However, it is important to understand that these matters put a lot on the line, and that penalties can be severe and life-altering. From disciplinary probation and school mandated courses to sanctions, suspensions, or even expulsion from school, the penalties can greatly affect one’s education as a student or career as a professor or administrator. These allegations alone also have the potential to affect one’s reputation.
You have the right to representation – While some schools may attempt to handle these matters quickly by encouraging students and staff to speak candidly or attend hearings immediately, it is important to know that you have the right to representation. Remember, saying certain things to administrators can potentially incriminate yourself. Even if you believe you are innocent and the allegations are false, any statements you make can be misconstrued and interpreted as you accepting fault in the matter. Having a skilled and experienced representative by your side can ensure the correct steps are being taken, your rights are protected, and that you are in the best possible position for securing a positive outcome. Our attorneys can also provide proven legal representation in any criminal allegations an individual may face in connection to the underlying allegations.

When there is so much on the line, it is important to place your trust in seasoned defense lawyers who know how Title IX proceedings work and how to best safeguard the rights and futures of the accused. Our Title IX defense attorneys have represented clients during proceedings and hearings at many schools and programs across Minnesota, and we have secured many positive resolutions on their behalves. This includes a recent case involving the University of Minnesota, in which Attorneys Joe Tamburino and Hillary Parsons were successful in obtaining a Title IX dismissal that protected our clients’ academic record and personal reputation, as well as another recent case in which Attorney Parsons was able to initiate a reversal and reinvestigation in a Title IX matter involving allegations made against a student of Macalester College.

Our award-winning legal team is available 24/7 to take your call, discuss your rights and what can be expected, and explain how we can be of assistance in defending against the allegations and penalties you face. Initial consultations are free and confidential and are arranged with attorneys who are highly experienced in Title IX matters. Remember, not all attorneys have experience in this field, which is why it is important to work with lawyers who have a demonstrated record of success handling Title IX cases.

Related Reading: