Minnesota Title IX Defense Attorney
If you’ve been accused of sexual misconduct at your university, you need an experienced Minnesota Title IX defense attorney to protect your rights and ensure a fair disciplinary hearing. At Spodek Law Group, our attorneys have successfully defended clients at some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in Minnesota, including the University of Minnesota, Gustavus Adolphus, Mankato State University, University of St. Thomas, St. Olaf College, and Carleton College. We understand the serious consequences that Title IX violations can have on your education, career, and reputation, and we are committed to fighting for your rights and helping you achieve the best possible outcome.
What is Title IX?
Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded educational program or activity. Public and private schools that receive any type of federal assistance must comply with Title IX, or face loss of federal funds. Under Title IX, colleges and universities are required to investigate and address sexual assault, stalking, and harassment incidents involving their students, independently of any simultaneous or related criminal charge. This means that even if you are not charged with a crime, you may still be subject to a disciplinary hearing under Title IX.
What Happens in Title IX Investigations?
If you are accused of sexual misconduct under Title IX, your college or university is required to conduct an investigation and hold a disciplinary hearing. During this process, the school will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and question the accused student. Unfortunately, many accused students who do not understand how to exercise their rights in these proceedings unjustly wind up with permanent scars on their record. This is where Spodek Law Group and Attorney Todd Spodek can help. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through the process, protect your rights, and fight for a fair hearing.
What Are the Penalties for a Title IX Violation?
Title IX violations can result in severe and life-altering penalties, including school probation and suspension, expulsion from college or university, and even sex offender registration. These penalties can have a devastating effect on one’s educational and career goals, as well as their personal lives and reputation. At Spodek Law Group, we understand the serious consequences of Title IX violations, and we are committed to helping our clients achieve the best possible outcome.
Ambiguous Affirmative Consent Policies
Due to pressure from the federal government, many colleges and universities are imposing rules on their students concerning the type and nature of consent that is required before any sexual activity occurs. All of the following colleges and universities in Minnesota have some type of sexual consent rules: Univ. of St. Thomas, Concordia University, Macalester College, St. Olaf College, Gustavus Adolphus College, Carlton College, Hamline University, Augsburg College, St. Catherine College, and St. Scholastica College, University of Minnesota (all campuses), and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (all campuses).
Consent policies and rules vary from school to school and may be difficult to understand. For example, most policies state that consent cannot be obtained if the person is “unable” to consent, but they never clearly define what “unable” means. This is especially problematic when the parties are consuming alcohol. Our attorneys understand this and know how to protect the rights of accused students in these situations.
Proposed Changes to Title IX
Recently, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos proposed new changes to Title IX that will bolster the rights of students who have been accused of assault, harassment, or rape on college campuses. The new changes will narrow the definition of sexual harassment and will only hold schools accountable for formal complaints that have been filed with the proper authorities and for misconduct said to have occurred on the school’s campus. DeVos’s proposal will also create a higher legal standard when determining if a school improperly addressed a complaint filed by a student. The changes will end Obama-era guidelines that colleges and critics say trampled the due-process rights of students accused of sexual misconduct.
At Spodek Law Group, we closely monitor any changes to Title IX regulations and are committed to staying up-to-date on the latest developments. Our attorneys are experienced in defending clients against Title IX accusations, and we have a deep understanding of the legal complexities involved in these cases. We will fight tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair hearing.
How Can a Minnesota Title IX Defense Attorney Help?
If you, your son, or your daughter is being accused of sexual assault or another disciplinary matter at college, do not delay in contacting a Minnesota Title IX lawyer at Spodek Law Group. Our attorneys have years of experience in defending clients against Title IX accusations, and we have a proven track record of success. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights, challenge any unfair allegations, and ensure that you receive a fair hearing.
Contact Spodek Law Group Today
If you are facing a Title IX accusation, you need a Minnesota Title IX defense attorney who understands the legal complexities involved in these cases and who will fight tirelessly to protect your rights. At Spodek Law Group, we have the experience and knowledge necessary to provide effective legal representation in Title IX cases. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled attorneys. Call us now at (800) 481-8469 or visit our website at www.spodeklawgroup.com.