Title IX is a federal law that protects individuals attending schools that receive federal funding. It is intended to prevent the sexual discrimination of participants in programs and activities, but extends to protecting every institution’s students, faculty, staff, and visitors from sexual discrimination. If you have been charged with a Title IX violation, help is available – seek the skilled legal counsel of an experienced South Carolina Title IX defense attorney today.
Title IX Protections
The protections afforded by Title IX are geared toward discrimination that’s based on the sex of the victim, including their sexual orientation, their gender identity or expression, their pregnancy, or related issues. The complainant – or the person who initiates a Title IX complaint – is guaranteed autonomy, which means they can participate in the grievance process but can’t be pressured, coerced, or forced to do so. Any retaliation against an individual who engages in or chooses not to participate in the Title IX grievance process is similarly protected.
Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct Qualify as Sex Discrimination
Title IX addresses many forms of sexual discrimination, and these include sexual assault and sex discrimination, as well as all the following:
- Dating violence
- Domestic violence
- Sexual misconduct
- Stalking
- Sexual harassment
If you’ve been accused of a Title IX offense, contact the trusted legal representation of a Title IX defense lawyer today.
The Consequences of a Title IX Offense
If you’re a student facing a Title IX grievance, you face serious consequences that could derail your education and future. These include all the following:
- Suspension or expulsion from your school
- Loss of any athletic scholarships you benefit from
- Restrictions on campus activities
- A mandatory counseling requirement
- Disciplinary probation
- The revocation or withholding of a degree
You may also be required to change residence halls or, in extreme cases, face criminal charges.
If you are an employee of an educational institution facing a Title IX grievance, your employment could be suspended or terminated altogether, you could be subject to a change in job position, or you could lose your tenure status. If the complaint crosses the line into criminal territory, such as sexual assault, you could also face a criminal charge that carries severe legal fines and penalties.
The School’s Obligation
As soon as a school is informed about potential infractions related to Title IX, it is required to take the necessary actions to determine what happened, put an end to any sexual violence involved, prevent a recurrence, address the lingering effects of the infraction, support the person who made the complaint, and ensure a thorough grievance process.
The Court of Public Opinion
Title IX complaints often hinge on one person’s word against another’s. The court of public opinion on campus can be swift to pass judgment. Working closely with a focused Title IX defense lawyer is the surest means of protecting your rights, preserving your reputation, and ensuring an advantageous resolution of the grievance against you.
Make the Call to an Experienced South Carolina Title IX Defense Lawyer Today
The compassionate South Carolina Title IX defense attorneys at Beasley Tomlinson will leave no stone unturned in our quest to protect your rights, reputation, and education. Located at 12 Whitsett Street, Greenville, SC 29601, we proudly serve the areas of Greenville, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Easley, Simpsonville, Pickens, Greer, and Duncan, as well as the counties of Greenville, Spartanburg, Pickens, and Florence. Learn more about how we can assist you by contacting us online or calling 864-775-5787 today.
