If you are working or studying in a college or university, you must be protected by Title IX in case you have experienced any sexual discrimination or harassment at these promises. Sexual discrimination in any educational institute or program, that is receiving federal financial assistance, is prohibited under Title IX. The staff at colleges, schools, universities, museums, and libraries receiving federal assistance are covered. In case anyone faces these issues, they should contact a Title IX advisor in California who can guide them during this tough time.
What is covered in Title IX?
Title IX was introduced in educational institutes to practice equality amongst students. It has been used to reduce the instances of sexual assault and rape on college campuses. However, it also covers the staff or employees of these institutes and protects them from being sexually harassed.
Before bringing the case to the court of law, it is important to get it investigated or reviewed with the help of a qualified lawyer.
Filing a Title IX complaint
If you have been a victim of sexual discrimination at your educational institute, you should report it within 180 days of the incident. The Education department evaluates, investigates, and resolves sexual harassment cases.
After the case has been filed, a Title IX investigator looks into the matter and notifies the accused. After that, he opens the case for further investigation. He gathers emails, documents, text messages, posts on social media, and other materials related to complaints and reviews them thoroughly. He also conducts interviews with the witness, the accused, and the complainant.
Both parties can present their viewpoints after the investigator has compiled the case. These comments are taken into consideration when he is making the final report in which the conclusions of the case are also included.
Should I hire a Title IX attorney?
You can ask for an advisor, who might not be a lawyer. However, you can contact a lawyer who can perform the following duties:
- Help you gather, review the documents and consider statements of witnesses.
- He can guide you in advance on what to state in front of the advisor.
- He is present with you at the time of the interview.
- He responds to the investigator’s final report.
- He helps you file the case if needed.
It is always a good idea to take into account the suggestions of an attorney before filing the case.
