Title IX Investigation Defense

Delivering High-Quality Title IX Investigation Defense Throughout Pennsylvania

Enacted in 1972, Title IX protects students and employees from gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and unlawful retaliation. This legislation applies to educational institutions that receive federal funding, including colleges, universities, and more. In recent years, incidents and allegations of harassment and discrimination have grabbed national attention, leading to an uptick in the number of gender discrimination and sexual harassment claims made by students or employees. Unfortunately, today’s litigious climate has made it nearly impossible for those accused of Title IX violations to maintain their innocence during the investigation—the allegations of wrongdoing alone can ruin an institution’s reputation, even if the investigation later determines that the accusations are meritless or unfounded.

If you are facing a Title IX complaint or investigation, you need strong and reliable legal defense to ensure that your rights remain protected at every turn. Reach out to the dedicated and experienced labor and employment attorneys at Campbell Durrant, P.C., right away to discuss the specifics of your situation. Together, we can identify the best defensive strategy to help you secure the best possible outcome given the circumstances of the case.

Navigating the Title IX Investigation Process in Pennsylvania

Educational institutions have a legal obligation to take allegations of Title IX violations seriously. As the national spotlight has focused its attention on these types of cases, institutions of higher learning that receive federal funding have had to establish clear and comprehensive rules and procedures for handling, investigating, and resolving these types of claims. Our highly skilled and experienced employment law attorneys are well-versed in the policies, guidelines, and legal procedures that impact Title IX allegations, investigations, and rulings. Although the Title IX investigation process may vary from institution to institution, you can expect it to follow some of the general steps listed below.

Notice of the Complaint

Once someone files a complaint with the school’s Title IX or Disciplinary Office, the accused party (called the respondent) will be notified in writing. As soon as the respondent receives this notice, they should contact our office to discuss the details of their situation and ensure that their legal rights remain protected during the entirety of these proceedings. Attempting to handle a Title IX case on your own often makes things worse and leaves you vulnerable to all sorts of negative consequences. With one of our experienced Title IX defense attorneys by your side, you can move forward with greater certainty.

Conducting the Investigation

Depending on the institution’s policies, an investigator from the school or an outside agency will conduct a formal investigation. This process typically involves interviewing the complainant and the respondent. It’s essential to recognize that you have the right to enlist legal representation at this time to guide you through this process while protecting your rights. We can help you prepare for an upcoming interview to ensure that you present your statement as clearly and effectively as possible.

Review and Hearing

The investigator will issue a Draft Report that presents all relevant information and give it to the parties involved in the matter. Once the parties have reviewed the report, the Title IX coordinator will set a hearing before an officer or a hearing panel. Our attorneys will help you prepare for the hearing, making sure that you understand and comply with all applicable rules and procedures.

Finding Presented and Sanctions Issued

Upon the conclusion of the hearing, the panel or office will issue a finding of “Responsible” or “Not Responsible.” Either party may appeal the finding if they are not satisfied with the outcome. The nature of the sanction varies depending on the specifics of the case and the procedures outlined in the institution’s policies. Whatever the details of your situation may be, you can rely on us to defend your best interests at every turn.

Keeping the Future Bright

At Campbell Durrant, P.C., we recognize how daunting accusations of Title IX violations can be. Suddenly, your reputation is on the line, and you wonder how this incident will shape the institution’s future and longevity. Now is not the time to leave the outcome up to chance—get in touch with our office as soon as possible to discuss your options. We’re committed to helping you understand your rights at every step of the investigation process and empowering you to exercise your legal rights wherever necessary.

The dedicated and experienced attorneys at Campbell Durrant, P.C., are committed to representing management in all types of labor and employment matters. We invite you to speak with a trusted and experienced attorney today.

Pittsburgh OFFICE
(412) 395-1280

Philadelphia officE
(610) 227-2591

About Our Employment Investigations and Counseling Services

As an employer, you want your employees to feel safe and respected in the workplace. When a complaint arises, it’s essential to ensure that your organization has a clear and effective process in place to handle and resolve such matters. Our employment attorneys are ready to help you conduct sensitive investigations into allegations of discrimination, harassment, or other related matters. We will work with you to help you understand and exercise your legal rights at every phase of the process and advocate for your best interests at every opportunity.

Without a transparent and clear investigation process in place, your organization remains vulnerable to further litigation or other legal action. Our goal is to assess your policies and rules to ensure that they are as strong as possible, detailing the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved in such matters. Should a dispute require litigation, you can enlist our support to guide you through every step of the legal process until you reach a resolution. Regardless of your specific needs and goals, you can trust that our legal experts have the skills, tools, and experience necessary to help you secure a favorable and peaceful outcome.