Title IX Defense Lawyer – Why You Need An Attorney-Advisor As a Student-Athlete

One of the most significant advancements in American education from Title IX was its banning of gender discrimination within federally-funded higher education institutions. Initially, Title IX emerged as a mechanism to create equal opportunities for women in intercollegiate sports. Yet, in recent years this legislation has regarded a more universal form of gender discrimination concerning sexual misconduct. In Colorado, extensive advocacy efforts have taken place, including numerous ‘call to actions, national movements, and an alarming rise of lawsuits whereby guidelines for adjudicating complaints have been established with immediate effect.

Being accused – formally known as a respondent – in a Title IX complaint alleging sexual misconduct is an uphill battle within itself but being a student-athlete who is also a respondent adds another layer to the complexity of the resulting process. To successfully navigate the challenging Title IX process as a student-athlete respondent, it is critically important to engage or retain the services of an attorney-advisor who can underpin your case with discipline and support.

The Odds Are Stacked Against You

An analysis carried out by ESPN television program “Outside the Lines,” students who are athletes are three times more likely than other students to be accused of sexual misconduct at Power 5 conference schools. The data showed that roughly 6.3% of Title IX complaints against students accused someone involved in athletics. Despite whether the students were found “responsible,” this study offers persuasive evidence that student athletes have a significantly larger probability than average students when it comes to accusations regarding sexual misconduct.

This analysis is not surprising given many high-profile cases involving prominent student-athletes with allegations made against them for sexual misconduct; however, every respondent should ensure that due process occurs during any claim against them if they want an equitable adjudication on their behalf. The only way to do that effectively is through retaining legal representation.

You Could Be Suspended While Under Investigation

Hawaii institutions, and other colleges located around the country, tend to react quickly when it comes to handling criminal cases – as seen with the UCLA basketball players suspended after shoplifting in China. When it comes to a Title IX investigation, procedures are not as clear cut. In the absence of specific uniform protocol guidelines, third parties such as coaches have the discretion to make critical decisions that could affect a student-athlete’s career profoundly.

In many ways, the future of any student-athlete is in the hands of an athletic director who may or may not be motivated by maintaining a scandal-free program. Some schools have tried to counteract this by only allowing administrators and deans to determine interim measures while under investigation; you should understand your school’s rules regarding if and when you’ll play while under investigation.

You Could Lose Your Scholarship

Due to pressure from lobbyists and advocacy groups, The NCAA is cracking down on student-athletes who are found responsible for sexual misconduct complaints. Their Committee to Combat Sexual Violence has vowed to become stricter about barring athletics scholarship students from claiming these scholarships if they are found guilty.

Why You Need A Title IX Defense Lawyer As A Student-Athlete

Despite being prevalent on many university campuses throughout America, allegations surrounding sexual misconduct remain sensitive topics. Any issue involving harassment or assault will lead immediately toward Title IX proceedings and potentially a civil action against you. In situations where both groupings overlap, such as sports teams — which includes individuals in leadership positions charged with monitoring your actions/behaviors — things can become complex rapidly.

This complexity makes retaining an attorney-advisor indispensable within any legal team assigned to represent your best interests whenever involved in a vulnerable situation regarding Title IX proceedings stemming from sexual misconduct charges. Comprehensive knowledge of educational law combined with experience across distinct areas of education means specialist lawyers like Todd Spodek procure favorable outcomes for his clients regularly.

Attorney Todd Spodek: Exceptional Legal Representation

Founder of the Spodek Law Group, Todd Spodek, has become renowned for his specialist Title IX advocacy skills when representing students at colleges and universities throughout the United States for over a decade. He recognizes fully that an accused students academic and professional future is typically on the line.

Throughout each case, his objective is to prioritize his clients’ needs and wellbeing while ensuring their interests are carefully protected through every aspect relating to Title IX proceedings. Licensed as an attorney in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York — admitted as an attorney pro hac vice in-state and federal courts if needed when representing clients nationwide — Todd Spodek provides Title IX advisory services to student-athletes facing sexual misconduct investigations and disciplinary cases throughout Hawaii and across America.

Should you be facing a student Title IX case concerning accusations of sexual misconduct in Hawaii or believe your rights have been compromised unfairly by any higher education institution’s actions within Title IX proceedings surrounding sexual misconduct allegations? Then you need to consider securing the support of an experienced legal team today. Contact National Title IX Defense lawyer Todd Spodek for a case evaluation or additional information regarding his representation by visiting him online or by contacting him on 212-300-5196 right now.

Hawaii colleges and universities where Todd Spodek can help as your or your student athlete’s Title IX advisor during investigations, hearings, and appeals include, but are not limited to them:

Hawaii Colleges	Universities
Argosy University Hawaii	Brigham Young University Hawaii Chaminade University of Honolulu
Hawaii Community College	Hawaii Pacific University
Heald College Honolulu	Honolulu Community College
Kapiolani Community College	Kauai Community College
Leeward Community CollegeCentral PacificCollegeUniversity of Hawaii at Hilo University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Hawaii Maui College University of Hawaii West Oahu University of Phoenix Hawaii Campus Windward Community College

All students must be extremely mindful when accused of sexual misconduct on college campuses. Still, student-athletes, in particular, should have even greater concerns at all stages throughout Title IX proceedings given the stakes when accusations are so high. Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with allegations made against you, take all necessary precautions immediately after the sexual misconduct accusations become evident – including obtaining an experienced attorney-advisor – as ignoring this will likely lead to negative results. Those students who say they will “just explain what happened” will undoubtedly face a challenging battle ahead. The expertise and knowledge that the attractive legal team at Spodek Law Group will provide should not be underestimated, ultimately making a substantial difference in the outcome for accused individuals within such cases.