How to Defend Against College Sexual Misconduct Allegations at UMass Amherst

If you’re accused of college sexual misconduct at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, odds are your case is already underway. You could be suspended or expelled from school, and these are merely the formal consequences. The after-effects of a sexual misconduct accusation persist long after your hearing and sentencing.

If graduate schools become aware that you broke your university’s Title IX policy or engaged in sexual misconduct, they could reconsider granting you admission. If an employer sees your offense of sexual misconduct, they may reject you for a job or internship. If you’re kicked out of UMass Amherst for this reason, another university might refuse to admit you with such a record.

When confronted with a sexual misconduct allegation, having a student defense attorney-advisor by your side is crucial.

College Sexual Misconduct Guidelines at UMess Amherst

After the new Title IX laws came into force in August 2020, UMass Amherst implemented transitional guidelines and an interim Title IX coordinator. Similar to many colleges and universities, considering the frequent changes to laws on sexual harassment during past administrations, the school is hesitant to make permanent changes.

As a result, UMass Amherst has created a 2020 Title IX policy document that covers required procedures and definitions regarding complaints about sexual harassment mandated under federal regulations. The institution expanded this guide with its policies concerning harassment, discrimination and related interpersonal violence.

Sexual Misconduct Prohibited at UMess Amherst:

– Sexual Harassment under Title IX: This type of harassment is based on sex where unwelcome sexual behaviour either requires participation in such behaviour as a prerequisite for obtaining an aid, benefit or service or makes access challengingto opportunities provided by education programs.

– Sexual Misconduct: Any unwanted sexual acts that impede work or academic progress , participation in an academic program or activity or creates a hostile atmosphere at work or academic surroundings.

– Sexual Assault: Sexual activity that is forceful, coerced or unwanted.

– Sexual Exploitation: Any type of sexual misconduct where advantage is taken of somebody without their permission – for example, arranging sexual encounters with others through promises or threats, sharing images or videos of a sexual nature without the person’s consent, etc.

– Sexual Violence: This category includes any physical sexual act in which an individual participates without the other person’s permission.

– Intimate Partner Violence: which encompasses violence by domestic partners and spouses.

– Stalking: Conduct that threatens someone so much that they are afraid for themselves or others’ safety and well-being as well as emotional stress

– Retaliation: Retaliation entails interfering with ones rights secured under the law.

Sexual Misconduct Process at UMass Amherst

The Equal Opportunity Office manages cases that involve sexual misconduct, including Title IX complaints. The university follows Title IX grievance procedures when processing allegations of sexual harassment.

The Equal Opportunity Office assesses formal allegations of indecent conduct and harassment reports submitted to the Title IX Coordinator (that could be either students, faculty members, contractors or visitors to campus). The Coordinator reviews them to decide whether to dismiss them straight awayor proceed with investigation. If a solution can’t be reached informally between both parties, the case proceeds with a formal inquiry promoted by an Investigator who will gather evidence from every side during this process (the accused and accuser).

Investigation

Evidence may include photographs , documents , communications , statements given by witnesses . After obtaining such evidence, each party must respond within ten days before an Investigator compiles a final report.

Hearing

During the hearing stage a Hearing Panel comprising three impartial college staff members evaluates what evidence was uncovered during the investigation phase. At these hearings both sides require an advisor – you might choose an attorney rather than rely on a university-assigned advisor. Given the current Title IX rules, cross-examination of witnesses is allowed, and evidence has to meet the ” preponderance of evidence” standard—one requiring both parties to present more convincing evidence than the other party.

Determination and Sanctions

The Hearing Panel will determine the validity of the sexual harassment allegations if each side presents enough proof to support their argument. Relevant university officials will identify suitable punishments with regard to panel’s decision . A student could receive any one of these sanctions:

– Restricted eligibility for specific education programs or activities.

– Attending some mandatory classes or training programs.

– Placed on probation or deferred suspension.

– Immediate suspension

– Expulsion from college

Likewise, an employee could deal with one or more penalties such as:

– Restriction from some University educational programs or activity,

– Compulsory course attendance

– Application of progressive discipline

Appeal

Both sides consider appeals if they wish within ten business days after action by the Hearing Panel. The Appeal Panel consists of three individuals who have no affiliation with either party that appealed —no panel member also serves on a Hearing Panel. Appeals are not repetitions but rather founded on the claim that certain factors obstructed an accurate determination during the hearings (such as new information that wasn’t easily visible at appeal time).

Selecting an Attorney for Sexual Misconduct/Title IX Lawsuits

Why must you engage a legal advisor when defending yourself against accusations about sexual misconduct in college? According to Title IX regulations passed in 2020, you are empowered to have an advisor present at live hearings. If you don’t take someone along, the university might designate someone affiliated with campus administration.

To enhance your chances of fair judgment , employ a legal consultant unlinked to UMass Amherst; this way, you obtain guidance informed by distinguished legal minds and safeguards their interests rather than schools interests .

Todd Spodek, of the Spodek Law Group, has defended countless numbers of students, faculty and staff members in Title IX and sexual misconduct cases at U.S. universities. To protectyour rights and safeguard your future if accused, get in touch with the Firm now by calling 212-300-5196.