Being notified that you have been accused of violating Title IX can be an overwhelming experience. Most people don’t know what their rights are, and where to turn after being accused. Colleges, universities, and high schools may preclude people accused of Title IX violations from classes, events, teams. and clubs while the investigation is going on. As a result of the number of Title IX complaints steadily rising, it is important for everyone to be aware of what to do and what not to do when there is a Title IX complaint brought against them.
If you’ve been accused of Title IX Violation DO:
- Contact an experienced Title IX attorney.
- Do not make a statement to an investigator without first consulting an attorney.
- Save all texts, emails, photos, voicemails, social media posts (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, What’sApp, etc.) and written documents.
- Make note what other people have said about the event, like a roommate or team mate, who could be a witness on your behalf or for the person making the complaint at a hearing.
If you’ve been accused of Title IX Violation DO NOT:
- Contact the person who brought the complaint or have your friends/family contact the person who brought the complaint.
- Delete texts, emails, photos, voicemails, social media posts (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, What’sApp, etc.) and written documents.
- Post about the complaint on social media.
What Can An Experienced Title IX Defense Attorney Do?
An experienced Title IX attorney will be able to help guide you through the process, act on your behalf during the investigation, appear with you for any and all hearings, and provide support in situations where criminal investigations by the police and civil suits occur. Being accused of a Title IX violation can be a stressful and emotionally charged experience. Having an attorney adds a layer of insulation to help protect your interests.
Saving all texts, emails, etc. can help you provide evidence for your defense, as well as provide evidence of false claims, or extenuating circumstances. Even though Snapchat messages disappear screen shots of them can be taken and preserved that way. Also take screen shots of other social media.
DO NOT attempt to contact the person making the complaint either yourself or through an intermediary like a friend or family member. This could be used to claim further harassment and could be used against you during the investigation. It may seem like a good idea to reach out and try to resolve this between the two parties, but once the complaint has been made to the school do not do it.
No one wants to be accused of a Title IX violation, but for Instructors, Professors, Staff, and Faculity there is an added stressor of having your career put in jeopardy. For those professionals accused of a Title IX violation it is important that they do everything they can to protect themselves, their livelihoods, and their families.
Have you been accused of a Title IX violation? Contact Dethlef Pykosh & Murphy Attorneys At Law to claim your FREE CONSULTATION. We are here to help secure your future!
