How a Student Rights Lawyer Can Help You Fight for Your Future

Are you a student or parent of a student who has been accused of misconduct at their college or university? Pursuing higher education requires years of dedication and significant financial resources, and allegations of wrongdoing can jeopardize these aspirations. In today’s post-secondary institutions, disciplinary proceedings are taken very seriously, and unfavorable outcomes can have long-term repercussions.

Most schools allow parties to these actions to obtain assistance from an advisor. It is crucial to have the representation of a seasoned student rights attorney who will properly interpret your school’s policies and rules. Equipped with expert legal knowledge, your attorney will act as a staunch advocate for your rights and best interests. With fresh perspectives on the evidence presented against you, they may be able to challenge its strength in ways that others overlooked. They can accompany you to hearings, interviews, and other events.

Moreover, an experienced student rights lawyer may enter into negotiations on your behalf with campus administrators responsible for disciplinary matters, the academic integrity office, Title IX coordinators, among others. Time is of the essence when facing such allegations; therefore you must seek legal counsel promptly since delay puts you at a clear disadvantage.

Unfortunately, many administrators tasked with disciplinary proceedings handle this additional responsibility without proper consideration for accused students’ rights. These individuals may move hastily without according the necessary impartiality required by law.

Disciplinary proceedings at NJCU fall mainly into three categories: general disciplinary violations, violations involving academic misconduct, and those that potentially violate federal Title IX guidelines.

Title IX Matters

All educational institutions must comply with federal Title IX guidelines established in 1972 following civil right amendments prohibiting sexually-based discrimination by the U.S Department of Education. Failure to comply risks losing federal funding eligibility. The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) provides current guidance on enforcing compliance.

NJCU selects a Title IX Coordinator entrusted with developing written procedures outlining how complaints are handled in adherence to federal law. These procedures must maintain impartiality and avoid conflicts of interest.

Violations involve impeding someone’s right to partake in programs or activities based on sexual orientation, obstructing someone, or creating a hostile environment for others through acts of sexual harassment. Physical acts of coercion or violence leading to sexual assault or misconduct violate Title IX guidelines; these victimize individuals who did not consent to participate in sexual activity. Sexual assault occurs where the individual is incapacitated, unable to provide or legally consent.

NJCU’s Office of Student Affairs has drafted the Sexual and Gender-based Misconduct Policy Governing Students that adequately complies with provisions related to Title IX and relevant state statutes governing this matter.

General Disciplinary Issues

NJCUs Student Code of Conduct defines several types of “general” disciplinary violations, including drug use and possession; alcohol consumption involving underage students, hazing (for athletic teams, fraternities, sororities), and residential guideline violations resident students must comply with within the campus setting.

Academic Misconduct

The Academic Standards Policies at NJCU relate extensively to intellectual agility and honesty in academic pursuits – violations are considered contrary to higher education standards. Most instances involve dishonest conduct such as cheating and plagiarism when one presents another person’s work for credit as their own. Examples include conspiring with others to obtain access unauthorized copies of exams or using another person’s data without proper citation or reference.

Penalties Imposed during Disciplinary Proceedings

While disciplinary procedures vary from institution to institution, penalties imposed may include expulsion or suspension from school- an appeals process often follows such decisions. With help from legal counsel, you can challenge unfavorable rulings by pursuing an appeal.

Additionally, disciplinary matters can result in negative public records that continue long after one leaves college affecting applications for admission into graduate programs impacting future career goals adversely. Some schools require Dean’s Certification letters as well for record verification in graduate-level law school admissions exercises requiring students to provide consent for release.

Potential Criminal Charges

Disciplinary procedures may be accompanied by criminal charges depending upon the facts and circumstances of each case. These may occur within campus jurisdiction or local police department authorities. The Spodek Law Group is exceptionally qualified to help students defend their rights in such criminal action that runs parallel to disciplinary proceedings.

Get Professional Representation from a Skilled Student Rights Lawyer in New Jersey

At the Spodek Law Group in New Jersey, Todd Spodek is an experienced attorney who has helped many students facing allegations of misconduct protect their futures through legal representation throughout disciplinary proceedings. He will help you navigate this complicated process and develop a comprehensive strategy tailored to your unique situation to best protect your interests’ future. Contact his law office today at (888) 535-3686 for expert legal assistance.