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Columbus State University Title IX Lawyers

Columbus State University offers its students an education committed to encouraging creativity and inspiring change that will improve the lives of others worldwide. They are dedicated to providing a curriculum grounded in academic excellence and innovation. Thus, Columbus State students are expected to maintain exceptional academic and behavioral standards.

When a student is accused of violating any of their standards, the school is quick to discipline them. Most students never think about the possibility of being accused of violating these standards and being subjected to a disciplinary process, so it can be very overwhelming when it happens. This is especially true if you are accused of violating Title IX. As such, the first step – and arguably the most important – is to contact an experienced Title IX attorney. Capovilla & Williams can help. Call today.

What is Title IX 

In the United States, Title IX is a federal regulation that requires educational institutions that receive federal funding, like high schools, colleges, and universities, to follow specific steps when receiving complaints of discrimination based on sex. While the exact definition of “sex-based discrimination” may vary from institution to institution, it always refers to the following at Columbus State:

  • Dating and/or domestic violence
  • Sexual exploitation
  • Sexual harassment
  • Stalking
  • Nonconsensual sexual contact
  • Nonconsensual sexual penetration.

Sex-based discrimination may also include:

  • Not offering students the same athletic opportunities;
  • Sex-based discrimination in STEM programs and courses; and
  • Discrimination based on pregnancy.

If Columbus State fails to follow the Title IX steps for resolution, they risk losing federal funding. Because of this, many schools decide to adjudicate claims with little to no supporting evidence to ensure that the federal government cannot accuse them of failing this mandate. Unfortunately, this means that some accused students are forced to take part in the disciplinary process and suffer unnecessary consequences because of it.

The Title IX Disciplinary Process 

When you are accused of a Title IX violation, the federal regulations require that Columbus State follow the steps outlined below.

Complaint & Investigation

To initiate an inquiry into a student, the Title IX Coordinator must have received a complaint about the student. Once they receive that complaint, they will meet with the complainant to gather more information. If, during this investigation, they determine that the complaint falls within the scope of their office, they will ask the complainant to file a formal complaint. The formal complaint is a required step to initiating the formal investigation. In some cases, the complainant will decide to drop the issue and not file a formal complaint. If that happens, the Title IX Coordinator can either dismiss the issue or, if they believe there is enough to warrant a formal complaint, file one themselves.

Once the formal complaint is filed, the Title IX Coordinator will appoint a Title IX Investigator to meet with and interview the complainant, the accused student, and any relevant witnesses. During the investigation, the Investigator will gather evidence and decide whether they believe the accused student should be disciplined in a formal hearing. After concluding the investigation, they will submit their report to the Title IX Coordinator, who will notify the parties of the next steps.

Hearing & Appeals Process

At the formal hearing, the accused student and complainant will both have equal opportunities to present their arguments, including evidence and witness testimony to support their cases. They will also have a chance to cross-examine each other’s witnesses. When both sides have been fully heard, the hearing panel will meet separately to review the evidence and arguments. If they determine, based on the evidence presented, that the student is responsible for the accused conduct, they will decide which punishment to impose. Usually, punishments include anything from removal from your university housing to suspension or expulsion.

If you are found responsible for committing a Title IX violation during the hearing, you will be notified by the hearing panel. That notification will also include specific instructions for appealing.

How an Experienced Law Firm Can Help

At Capovilla & Williams, we have years of experience helping students defend themselves against Title IX violations. We understand how hard you have worked to get where you are and will do everything in our power to prevent you from suffering unnecessary hardships because of a Title IX violation. Call 855-218-6432 today or schedule a free consultation online.