Washington DC Title IX Academic Penalties

Pursuant to Title IX, colleges and universities that receive federal funding are required to investigate allegations of sexual violence, harassment, or assault that involve students.

In addition to a university Title IX investigation, you could also face criminal charges. If you ultimately sustain a criminal conviction, you could incur criminal penalties in addition to any academic penalties imposed.

Colleges and universities in DC – and across the country – handle Title IX charges and penalties differently. If you are currently pending a Title IX charge, it is important that you contact an experienced Title IX lawyer as soon as possible.

A knowledgeable attorney can discuss the potential Washington DC Title IX academic penalties associated with your charge and help you take the necessary legal actions to defend yourself.

Interim Measures in Title IX Investigations

Prior to any hearing or proceeding, a Washington DC college or university can impose a variety of interim measures or penalties. Those measures could include any of the following:

• Requiring that the accused student have no further contact with the alleged victim while the matter is pending (i.e. via a no-contact order)
• Requiring the accused to remove themselves from on-campus housing
• Prohibiting the accused from participating in sports or extracurricular activities that take place on campus
• Placing a hold on the accused student’s academic transcript

Post-Hearing Academic Penalties

For a college or university to impose Washington DC Title IX academic penalties, it must satisfy the required burden of proof. Specifically, the institution must prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the accused committed the alleged act. This standard of proof is much lower than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard typically utilized in criminal proceedings.

Although the accused student can normally speak for themselves at their hearing, neither they nor their lawyer is typically allowed to cross-examine the complainant or other witnesses to the events in question. If the panel determines, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the allegations are true and that the accused student is responsible, then the college or university could impose penalties. Those penalties might include suspension or expulsion from the institution, along with permanent notations on the student’s transcript or permanent academic record.

Receiving Washington DC Title IX academic penalties – or just being deemed responsible for an act of sexual violence or assault – can have very negative consequences on a student’s future, academic or otherwise. First, it could be difficult, if not impossible, for the student to transfer to another school or gain admission to a post-graduate program.

Moreover, responsibility for an act of sexual violence or assault could place a damper on the student’s future employment prospects. Many employers will think twice about hiring a candidate who has a history of sexual misconduct allegations, fearing their own potential liability in the future. An experienced student defense lawyer can discuss these potential Washington DC Title IX academic penalties and take steps to try and reduce or eliminate them.

Learn More About Washington DC Title IX Academic Penalties

Colleges and universities can impose serious academic penalties in Title IX cases. You can also face serious consequences that will impact you for years to come.

A knowledgeable student defense lawyer can explain the potential Washington DC Title IX academic penalties associated with your pending charge and could represent and defend you at your hearing.