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If you are facing allegations of a Title IX violation, it is important that you act quickly to be fully prepared for your case. Title IX investigations often result in serious academic sanctions, which may greatly impact your future educational and occupational prospects. In certain situations, you may also have to deal with a separate criminal investigation as well.
Working with a skilled Omaha Title IX lawyer is often the best way to successfully navigate every aspect of your Title IX investigation. An experienced criminal defense attorney who has dealt with Title IX cases like yours can help you understand the exact nature of the accusations you are facing, determine your best course of action moving forward, and work tirelessly to secure a positive outcome on your behalf.
What is Title IX and What Does it Cover?
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex-based discrimination within any program or athletic activity at a school that receives federal funding. Overseen by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) within the U.S. Department of Education, Title IX protections apply to everyone involved within a program or activity and includes employees, volunteers, and students alike. They also apply to educational programs that receive federal funding but do not operate on campus.
In practice, Title IX prohibits several forms of discrimination. It is probably most widely known for providing equal opportunities for male and female athletes. For example, an Omaha school that does not provide equal athletic opportunities for male and female students may face investigations and sanctions under Title IX. Other specific forms of discrimination prohibited by Title IX include:
- Discrimination against pregnant women
- Hiring practices that are disadvantageous to a particular gender identity
- Restricting female students from taking STEM courses (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics), or failing to provide fair opportunities for them to do so
- Sexual harassment
- Retaliation in response to Title IX reporting and sanctions
However, the most common Title IX investigations that the Berry Law team of legal professionals sees typically revolve around an alleged sexual assault on a college campus.
Title IX Investigations and Criminal Cases
Any alleged Title IX violation on a college campus will be investigated by the school’s Title IX coordinator. Depending on the circumstances, there may be a hearing scheduled as well. Either way, the parties involved in a Title IX dispute have the right to retain legal counsel.
If a Title IX violation also constitutes a criminal offense, criminal charges may coincide with the Title IX coordinator’s investigation. For example, any sexual harassment of a student that meets the definitions of sexual assault outlined in Nebraska Revised Statutes §§28-319 & 320 may result in both criminal charges against the alleged perpetrator and a Title IX investigation.
The outcome of any such criminal case typically has no bearing on the outcome of the Title IX investigation, and vice versa. That being said, it is often in the best interest of the accused to seek legal guidance from a knowledgeable Title IX lawyer in Omaha.
When You Need an Experienced Omaha Title IX Attorney, Trust Berry Law
Sanctions for a Title IX violation can be harsh. Individual students or faculty who are found in violation of Title IX may be subject to expulsion or dismissal. In certain cases, you may also face criminal charges related to a Title IX investigation which can lead to serious fines or imprisonment depending on the severity of the crime.
If you are facing a Title IX investigation or criminal charges resulting from sexual harassment or sexual assault charges, it is crucial to work with a skilled legal representative to achieve a positive outcome. Contact Berry Law today to set up a confidential consultation with an Omaha Title IX lawyer. Don’t wait to protect your rights and start exploring your legal options.
