Navigating Title IX in Omaha as a Student

Being accused of violating Title IX policies can be an incredibly stressful and frightening experience for college students in Omaha. Title IX rules regarding sexual misconduct on campuses have become increasingly complex over the years. Many students feel confused about the investigation and hearing process, unsure of their rights, and afraid of potential consequences. Having an experienced Omaha Title IX lawyer can make all the difference. This article provides an overview of key things Omaha college students should know if facing a Title IX investigation, including:

• Background on Title IX
• Common violations
• The investigation and hearing process
• Potential consequences
• The role of a Title IX lawyer
• How to choose the right lawyer

What is Title IX?

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs that receive federal funding. Under Title IX, schools must provide an environment free from sex discrimination for students. This includes investigating and addressing claims of sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, and intimate partner violence. All colleges and universities that get federal money must comply with Title IX. Over the years, there's been a lot of debate around how schools should handle sexual misconduct reports under Title IX. During the Obama administration, guidance was issued requiring schools to take a more proactive approach in investigating reports and protecting victim's rights. Under the Trump administration, guidance changed to provide more protections and due process rights for the accused. There are still many gray areas that leave room for interpretation by colleges.

Common Title IX Violations

Some of the most common Title IX violations that Omaha students face allegations for include:

• Sexual assault - This includes rape, fondling, incest, statutory rape, and other unwanted sexual contact. Sexual assault is one of the most commonly reported Title IX offenses.
• Sexual harassment - Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature. This includes sexual comments, jokes, gestures, and cyber harassment.
• Stalking - A pattern of repeated, unwanted attention that causes fear or concern for one's safety. Stalking behaviors include following, unwanted gifts, threats, and surveillance.
• Intimate partner violence - Physical, sexual, or psychological harm by a current or former partner or spouse. This includes domestic and dating violence.
• Retaliation - Intimidating, threatening, or taking adverse action against someone for reporting Title IX concerns or participating in an investigation.

Other potential violations include gender discrimination, failure to accommodate pregnant/parenting students, and not addressing a hostile environment on campus. Students can be accused individually or as part of a group.

The Investigation and Hearing Process

When a Title IX report is made against a student at a school in Omaha, here are some of the key steps that will happen:

1. The Title IX coordinator will reach out to the reporting and responding parties to explain the process and resources available.
2. An investigator will interview both parties and witnesses, gather evidence like texts and photos, and create a report summarizing findings.
3. A hearing will be held where a panel considers the investigation report, hears from parties/witnesses, and makes a determination if a violation occurred using a "preponderance of evidence" standard.
4. Sanctions will be issued if the responding party is found responsible. This may include things like suspension, expulsion, counseling, or moving dorms.
5. Both parties have the right to appeal the outcome.

This process can feel confusing and overwhelming for students facing an allegation. Having an advisor, like a Title IX lawyer, can help you understand what to expect and protect your rights.

Potential Consequences of a Title IX Violation

If found responsible for a Title IX offense, possible sanctions include:

• Probation - A warning period where further violations could lead to suspension or expulsion.
• Counseling - Required mental health counseling or batterer intervention classes.
• No contact order - A requirement to avoid contact with the reporting party.
• Suspension - Temporary separation from the university, often for a set time period like a semester or year.
• Expulsion - Permanent separation and loss of student status from the university.
• Transcript notation - A note indicating disciplinary action on academic transcripts.

In addition to school sanctions, if criminal charges are pursued, students may face consequences like fines, probation, and jail time. Your school disciplinary record can also impact future education and employment opportunities.

Why Hire a Title IX Lawyer?

Having an experienced Omaha Title IX lawyer can make a huge difference in these cases. Benefits of legal representation include:

• Guidance on your rights and responsibilities under Title IX
• Advice on interacting with investigators and what to say/not say
• Review of investigation reports and ability to identify any flaws
• Help gathering exculpatory evidence and witnesses
• Assistance preparing opening and closing statements for hearings
• Questioning of reporting parties and witnesses at hearings
• Ensuring proper procedures are followed throughout the process
• Drafting appeals if necessary

Navigating the Title IX process alone can put you at a disadvantage. An attorney levels the playing field and reduces the risks to your reputation and education.