Title IX Defense Attorney for College Faculty & Staff

Experienced Defense Against Facing Title IX Accusations

Since Title IX proceedings involving faculty can include a school employee or a temporary worker as a respondent, numerous potential roads may apply with respect to procedural guidelines or potential rights accessible to the accused, including tenure policies, faculty discipline policies, and employment agreements.

In addition, faculty respondents may also have a right to file employment-related grievances.

Facing a Title IX accusation? Contact us today at (737) 200-2332 to speak with our experienced legal team and start building your defense.

Common Types of Title IX Allegations

Title IX complaints include a variety of allegations, some of the most common types of allegations made against college faculty and staff we see are:

• Sexual Harassment
• Sexual Misconduct or Assault
• Sex or Gender Discrimination

If you have been accused of the following, you must seek counsel from the experienced Title IX defense attorneys at Parisi, Coan & Saccocio, PLLC.

What are the Consequences of a Title IX Accusation?

Faculty and staff members, including coaches, professors, teaching assistants, and graduate assistants accused of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and other alleged Title IX offenses, can face long-lasting impacts on their lives and careers. Title IX cases can permanently damage professional reputations and put tenured positions at risk, and therefore require unique legal advice encompassing the legal issues associated with Title IX law and employment law.

Understanding the Title IX Investigation Process

Navigating a Title IX investigation can be daunting, especially for college faculty and staff who may not be familiar with the procedures involved. At Parisi, Coan & Saccocio, PLLC, we believe that knowledge is power. That’s why we provide our clients with a comprehensive overview of the Title IX process, ensuring you are well-informed every step of the way.

Here’s what you can expect during a Title IX investigation:

• Initial Complaint: The process begins when a complaint is filed. Understanding the nature of the complaint is crucial for your defense.
• Investigation: The institution will conduct an investigation, which may include interviews, evidence collection, and witness statements.
• Review of Findings: After the investigation, a report will be generated outlining the findings. You have the right to review this report.
• Hearing: If the case proceeds, a hearing may take place where both parties can present their evidence and arguments.
• Final Decision: Following the hearing, a decision will be made regarding the allegations, and you will be informed of the outcome.

Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through each phase of the investigation, ensuring your rights are protected and that you receive a fair process. We will work tirelessly to build a strong defense tailored to your unique situation.

Impact of Title IX on Tenured Faculty

Title IX accusations can have significant and lasting consequences for tenured faculty members. Although tenured professors have job security, they are not immune from the serious effects of Title IX allegations. Here's how it can impact them:

• Risk to Tenure: Tenure is meant to protect academic freedom, but a Title IX accusation can still lead to disciplinary action or termination. While tenure provides job security, it does not guarantee protection from serious charges or institutional penalties.
• Reputation Damage: Even if a tenured professor is not found guilty of the accusations, the damage to their professional reputation can be irreversible. Negative media attention and the stigma of being accused can affect relationships with colleagues, students, and the broader academic community.
• Career Disruption: Defending against a Title IX case requires time, effort, and resources, often leading to career setbacks. A professor’s ability to focus on research, teaching, and other academic duties may be compromised as they fight the allegations.
• Loss of Academic Opportunities: Title IX accusations can limit opportunities for professional growth, such as speaking engagements, publishing opportunities, or advancement within the academic institution.

Accused of a Title IX violation? Call us now at (737) 200-2332 to connect with our skilled legal team and begin preparing your defense.

Defending Against False Allegations

When accused of a Title IX violation, it's crucial to defend oneself against false or exaggerated claims. Here are strategies for doing so:

• Gathering Evidence: Evidence is key in any Title IX defense. This can include emails, messages, or documents that contradict the allegations, as well as physical evidence that challenges the accusation.
• Witness Testimonies: In many cases, having witnesses who can provide testimony supporting your side of the story can make a big difference. These might be colleagues, students, or anyone who can confirm the circumstances of the alleged incident.
• Trusted Opinions: Trusted testimony from professionals familiar with the nuances of Title IX cases can be invaluable. This can include psychologists, legal experienced, or even other educators who can shed light on inconsistencies in the allegations.
• Challenging the Process: Sometimes, the process itself may have been flawed. This can include issues like the improper handling of evidence or procedural errors during the investigation, which could serve as grounds for a defense.

Confidentiality in Title IX Cases

Confidentiality is a critical aspect of Title IX cases. Both the accused and the accuser have a right to privacy during the process. Here's why confidentiality matters:

• Protecting Rights: Maintaining confidentiality ensures that the rights of both parties are respected. This is important to prevent public shaming, social ostracism, or retaliation before the case is resolved.
• Impact of Breaches: If confidentiality is violated, it can harm both the accuser and the accused. For the accused, public disclosure of allegations can damage their reputation even before a ruling is made. For the accuser, revealing their identity can lead to retaliation or further harm, especially in a campus environment.
• Legal Consequences: Violating confidentiality agreements can have legal ramifications for the institution, faculty, or even students involved. Institutions are required to keep the details of Title IX investigations private to ensure fairness and protect the parties involved.
• Maintaining Integrity: Adhering to confidentiality helps maintain the integrity of the investigation process. It ensures that the case is handled objectively, without external pressures or biases affecting the outcome.

Understanding and respecting confidentiality is vital to ensuring a fair and unbiased resolution of any Title IX case.

Why Hire Parisi, Coan & Saccocio, PLLC

Parisi, Coan & Saccocio, PLLC works to protect the respondent’s career and reputation. Our firm does not condone sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating, or domestic violence. Nor does Parisi, Coan & Saccocio, PLLC condone unfair and unjust investigations or tribunals that deprive accused persons of fundamental due process rights. We are lawyers who protect your rights and demand that any system that adjudicates accused persons does so in a fair, unbiased, and transparent.

Attorney Patrick Saccocio is a trial attorney experienced in representing those charged criminally with alleged acts of dating/domestic violence, those charged with violating federal and state anti-discrimination laws (Title VII and state equivalent), and is experienced in both state and federal court practice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Title IX?

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal funding. It applies to both students and employees, ensuring that no one is subjected to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on their gender.

Can Title IX accusations lead to criminal charges?

While Title IX itself is not a criminal law, it can involve serious misconduct such as sexual harassment, assault, or discrimination. If the alleged behavior violates both Title IX and criminal law, criminal charges could be pursued in addition to the Title IX investigation.

How does Title IX affect faculty members differently than students?

For faculty members, Title IX accusations can lead to professional consequences, including disciplinary actions, suspension, or even termination, depending on the severity of the case. Unlike students, faculty members may also face employment-related grievances and other protections under employment contracts and tenure policies.

How long does a Title IX investigation take?

The duration of a Title IX investigation can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the institution’s procedures, and other factors. It may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. It's important to stay informed about timelines throughout the process.

What can I do if I believe I am falsely accused of Title IX violations?

If you are falsely accused of a Title IX violation, it’s important to act quickly. You should gather evidence, seek witness testimony, and consult with anexperienced Title IX defense attorney who can guide you through the investigation and help protect your rights.

Can I appeal a Title IX decision?

Yes, if you disagree with the outcome of a Title IX investigation or hearing, you typically have the right to appeal the decision. The process and grounds for appeal will depend on the policies of the educational institution, so it’s important to review those and consult legal counsel.

How can I protect my privacy during a Title IX investigation?

It is important to maintain confidentiality throughout the Title IX process. Discuss your case only with your attorney and trusted individuals. Violating confidentiality agreements could lead to additional legal issues for both the accuser and the accused.

Get Experienced Title IX Defense for Educators Now

Attorney John Saccocio is special counsel for the Title IX department of Parisi, Coan & Saccocio, PLLC. He has been a practicing attorney since 1989. He has focused his practice on labor and employment law issues, including collective bargaining, contract grievances, administrative proceedings, arbitration, disciplinary proceedings, improper employer practices, and litigation.

Ready to Defend Your Reputation? Contact Parisi, Coan & Saccocio, PLLC now to secure your professional future with our Title IX defense attorneys.