Defending Your Rights: Sexual Assault and Harassment on College Campuses
Sexual assault and harassment on college campuses is a deeply troubling and serious issue that requires the assistance of a student sexual misconduct lawyer. At Spodek Law Group, our attorney Todd Spodek understands campus sexual misconduct proceedings and can fight for your rights. You can count on us to provide you with the support and fair process you need.
What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is a non-consensual sexual act committed against another person, which can range from unwanted touching to forced sexual intercourse. Sexual assault can also happen when a person commits a sexual act with someone who is unconscious, incapacitated by alcohol or drugs, or otherwise incapable of providing consent. Even if someone consents to some acts in a sexual encounter, that does not mean they have consented to other sexual acts. Consent can be revoked at any time.
It’s crucial to understand that the definition of sexual assault on campus is different from the definition under the criminal justice system. Sexual conduct that is not illegal may still constitute sexual assault under a campus definition. For example, most colleges and universities have adopted policies requiring “affirmative consent.” This is a higher standard than the law requires – under an affirmative consent standard, sex is considered nonconsensual unless there is affirmative evidence that the other party said or indicated yes, rather than just not saying no. At Spodek Law Group, we have a deep understanding of the law and can help you navigate these complex issues.
A School’s Role in a Sexual Assault Case
Sexual assault is a type of sexual misconduct covered by Title IX, and all schools have procedures for handling sexual assault cases. However, these procedures are often designed to serve the institution’s best interests and may not provide students with the support and fair process they need. At Spodek Law Group, we can help you understand your rights and fight for you every step of the way.
Campus Student Sexual Misconduct Lawyers
Title IX protects students throughout the country against discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment. If you believe that you are a victim of sexual harassment on campus or if you have been accused, Spodek Law Group is here to help. Our skilled and compassionate attorneys have experience handling campus sexual misconduct cases and can guide you through the investigative process to ensure that your rights are protected.
What is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment in the educational setting occurs when sexual conduct – verbal, physical, or visual – prevents someone from accessing or benefiting from educational opportunities. Examples of verbal harassment might include unwanted, lewd comments about a person’s body or spreading rumors about someone’s sexual activity. Visual sexual harassment can occur through the display or sharing of obscene pictures, messages, or objects.
A School’s Duty When Sexual Harassment is Reported
Different schools define sexual harassment in different ways, but Title IX requires all schools to take steps to prevent sexual harassment and investigate reported abuse. A pattern of recurring behavior may constitute sexual harassment, but investigators can also find that a single incident constitutes a violation. If you have experienced sexual harassment on campus, it’s essential to gather as much documentation as possible about precisely what occurred and when.
What to do if You are a Victim of Sexual Harassment on Campus
If you have been subjected to sexual harassment, you can report the harassment to the school’s Title IX coordinator. If your school is unresponsive to legitimate complaints or retaliates against you in any way for making a complaint, litigation may also be appropriate. At Spodek Law Group, we understand how challenging it can be to come forward and report sexual harassment on campus. Our attorneys are here to provide you with the legal support and representation you need to ensure that your rights are protected. We will help you gather evidence, file a complaint with your school, and take legal action if necessary.
Allegations of Sexual Harassment
If you have been accused of sexual harassment on campus, you will face an investigative process and, depending on the circumstances, a hearing with an opportunity to ask questions of the parties and witnesses. In any case involving allegations of campus sexual misconduct, both parties are entitled to an advisor of their choice to accompany them to all disciplinary meetings and hearings. At Spodek Law Group, we have experience representing clients in these types of cases and can help you navigate the process to ensure that your rights are protected.
Contact Spodek Law Group Today
If you are involved in campus sexual assault proceedings or under investigation for sexual harassment, you should seek the assistance of a qualified attorney as soon in the process as possible – even before a complaint is filed with the school. At Spodek Law Group, our experienced attorneys can guide you through the investigative process and make sure your rights are protected. We can help you ensure that your basic rights to a fair proceeding are preserved, that you get access to relevant evidence, and that you have the right to present your case. And ultimately, if the school bungles the matter or looks the other way—by refusing to take proper action, discriminating against you, or otherwise acting improperly—we can file a civil suit.
Contact Attorney Todd Spodek and the Spodek Law Group today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you. Our firm has experience handling a wide range of legal situations, and we are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of professionalism and expertise. Don’t wait – contact us today to learn more about how we can help you defend your rights in campus sexual assault and harassment cases.
Our Contact Information:
Spodek Law Group
100 Church Street, 8th Floor
New York, NY 10007
(212) 300-5196
| Contact | Information |
|---|---|
| Attorney Name | Todd Spodek |
| Email Address | info@spodeklawgroup.com |
| Phone Number | (212) 300-5196 |