Title IX Investigations

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Title IX Investigations in South Carolina

School administrators and Title IX investigators across the country are frequently unaware of the legal implications of Title IX (Title 9) charges and university students are frequently unaware of their right to due process during Title IX proceedings – rights that should be strongly protected.

As a Title IX defense lawyer, AnneMarie Odom wholeheartedly believes that everyone is entitled to due process. To speak with an experienced Title IX lawyer about the specifics of your case, call AnneMarie Odom Law at (864) 775-5833 today.

Title IX Law

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §§ 1681) formally states that “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program receiving Federal financial assistance…”

Enacted in 1972, Title IX became part of a larger effort to require college campuses to provide all students with equal access to facilities and programs. It has since expanded, applying to all students, faculty, administration, and other full or part-time employees of the institution. Also included is a requirement that any public or private school that receives federal funding must investigate all reports of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, rape, harrassment, and other related sex crimes. Gender discrimination, retaliation, and the creation of a hostile environment also fall under Title IX cases. Such misconduct has been declared a form of discrimination under Title IX that is serious enough to impede the accused student from fully participating in their educational program and reaping the benefits that come with it. In extreme cases and often those involving sexual assault, it may also warrant criminal charges upon the accused.

Title IX Violations

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment, as defined by Title IX, is any unwanted remarks, advances, or solicitation of sexual conduct or favors that interferes with an individual’s right to participate in an educational program or activity. More specific examples of sexual harassment include:

Frequent offensive remarks regarding a person’s sex
Inappropriate touching
Stalking
Obscene or sexually suggestive gestures, jokes, and innuendos
Intimidation
Sexual threats

Sexual Violence

According to Title IX, sexual violence is unwanted sexual activity achieved through force or manipulation or when a person is incapable of providing consent. Examples of sexual violence include:

Sexual assault and/or battery
Domestic violence
Rape (both attempted and completed)
Inappropriate touching or groping

Gender Discrimination

Gender discrimination is any form of discriminatory or harassing behavior based solely on a person’s sex/gender. This includes:

Unfair treatment, attitudes, or behaviors
Gender-based bullying
Pregnancy discrimination
Derogatory or sexist insults and remarks
Unproportionate athletics programs or educational activities based on gender

Consequences of a Title IX Violation

A Title IX inquiry can have far reaching consequences. For example, for accused students, disciplinary probation, school suspension, loss of scholarships, or even expulsion from degree programs or withholding of a degree are potential repercussions.

Students accused of sexual assault or other Title IX violations might also face investigations, Title IX hearings and other disciplinary procedures. As a result, the Title IX process tends to pose a serious distraction to the defendant during a vital phase of their formative years.

For faculty and school administrators accused of a Title IX violation, a change in job position, loss of employment, and loss of tenure are all possibilities. Victim restitution and mandatory counseling may also be required of the defendant. Furthermore, the emotional toll can often be overwhelming.

What To Do If You A Complaint Is Made Against You

Because the consequences and repercussions that a defendant is likely to face when met with a Title IX inquiry can be complicated and draining, the help of an experienced Title IX defense lawyer is essential to guarantee that your rights are protected throughout the process.

When someone is accused of misconduct, especially sexual assault or other sexual misconduct, there is a strong likelihood of presumption of guilt in the court of public opinion. Such preconceived beliefs can be difficult to dispel anywhere, let alone within an educational institution. If you have been accused of a Title IX violation, it is critical that you hire experienced Title IX counsel such as Greenville criminal defense lawyer AnneMarie Odom.

Title IX Defense Lawyer in South Carolina

Due process rights are not always guaranteed to college and university students accused of Title IX violations. When you hire a Title IX defense lawyer from AnneMarie Odom Law, you obtain the services of someone who will aggressively represent you while guaranteeing that your due process rights are maintained.

AnneMarie Odom is a knowledgeable Title IX criminal defense attorney and is ready to assist you in these difficult situations that could jeopardize your reputation, career, or ability to continue your education. Get in touch with our office and schedule your initial consultation by giving AnneMarie Odom a call at (864) 775-5833 or completing our online intake form today.

Our knowledgeable Title IX criminal defense attorneys are ready to assist you in these difficult situations that pose a real threat of jeopardizing your reputation, career, or ability to continue your education.

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