ROTC Students and Title IX: Understanding the Consequences of Sexual Misconduct

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs offer attractive benefits for students who wish to serve in the military. These benefits include college scholarships and other financial incentives in exchange for assuming a military service obligation. However, ROTC students must comply with their school’s rules and regulations as well as their military agreement to avoid unfavorable consequences.

Several primary institutions are offering ROTC programs in Missouri, while other schools have implemented “partnership networks” that allow access to ROTC training. But despite the appeal of these programs, students should be aware of the serious implications if they face allegations of sexual misconduct or violation of Title IX.

Title IX, established by the U.S. Department of Education in 1972, aims to eradicate all forms of discrimination on educational institutions based on sex or gender. The guidelines have evolved over time due to court decisions and clarified regularly by the Secretary of Education, so accused students seeking assistance should engage an attorney experienced in this legal realm.

Some common ways Title IX violations are committed include sexual violence, harassment or intimidation which creates a hostile learning environment for a victim often motivated by negative stereotypes related to their actual or perceived sex.

Moreover, successful completion of ROTC program requirements is essential before indulging further into active military duty service. Those who do not satisfy degree program requirements leading may be subject to active-duty service or ordered to repay any financial benefits earlier received such as tuition, fees, supplies and transportation.

Disenrollment from an ROTC program may follow allegations following conduct issues including violation of Title IX. Military service branches have written procedures outlining their disenrollment processes; therefore engaging student attorney for possible defense is vital towards ensuring protection under applicable legislation.

Schools’ designated Title IX Coordinators investigate claims and when sufficient evidence supports an allegation both parties generally summoned for a hearing and student-respondents will greatly benefit from having a reliable advisor who can professionally counsel them in all aspects of the Title IX case.

Todd Spodek is an attorney with significant experience and skill to defend ROTC students facing disenrollment actions resulting from allegations of Title IX violations. Spodek knows that commissioning officers may be disqualified due to such allegations and works diligently to obtain favorable outcomes for his clients. If you are a student enrolled in one of the Missouri colleges or universities where Todd Spodek can serve as your Title IX advisor, contact his office today at (888) 535-3686.

Title IX proceedings and ROTC disenrollment are risks every college student faces if accused of sexual misconduct. However, an ROTC student will have more concerns at every stage because their future military career is a potential casualty of unfavorable decisions. Accused students should engage experienced attorneys for assistance in investigating, responding to allegations or when necessary, filing a Title IX complaint with Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, seeking review or rehearing before applicable Federal courts.

Todd Spodek has demonstrated exceptional dedication fighting on behalf of college and university students nationwide for over ten years, knowing how important it is to mount the strongest defense because he understands intimately that an ROTC students academic future and prospective military career are always at stake. Therefore, choosing an attorney like Spodek known for fierce advocacy on behalf of clients is vital towards achieving any favorable outcome in whichever case brought before schools’ adjudicatory body or Federal courts.