The Universities at Shady Grove (USG) in Maryland is a collaborative partnership composed of nine public universities. USG provides centralized services for admission, financial aid, technology, student support, and campus life sectors while still affording each university the autonomy to offer distinctive academic programs and awards. Federal funding is bestowed on USG by the government; therefore, they are mandated to follow Title IX regulations.
Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex. USG complies with this law by arbitrating alleged violations that fall under its purview. Sexual misconduct is classified as gender-based discrimination; hence all complaints concerning this issue should be promptly and appropriately handled upon notification by USG.
If you’re a student connected to USG facing sexual misconduct charges, it’s crucial to comprehend the legal procedures and processes required of you because of these allegations. This article gives an overview of the Title IX process at USG.
Title IX Process
USG pledges to resolve all reports alleging sexual misconduct within 60 days. However, if extenuating circumstances arise during the case, the period may be extended. Throughout this process, certain terminologies are used to identify each party involved in a complaint. A person alleging misconduct will be referred to as a “complainant,” while an accused perpetrator will be known as a “respondent.”
Filing Complaints
All members of the community affiliated with USG are encouraged to report any rumors or experiences related to sexual misconduct witnessed on campus or beyond to the school’s Title IX coordinator immediately they occur. Once received by either a coordinator or any other member of the Title IX team who hears about it, reporting triggers the commencement of investigation procedures.
Interim Measures
When notified about possible violations, one top priority for any Title IX coordination is preventing retaliation against complainants; consequently imposing interim measures may become necessary until investigations are concluded. The measures adopted during investigations include issuing no-contact orders (barring verbal, electronic or third-party communication between parties), parking and transportation accommodations, housing reassignments, restrictive access to certain areas within the university, changes in work schedules or job assignments, etc.
Investigations
The Title IX coordinator at the respondent’s home institution is responsible for overseeing investigations. While schools may vary in handling cases like this, the investigation procedures generally entail in-depth interviews with all parties involved (including witnesses) and a conclusive investigative report that determines whether a respondent violated school policy or not.
Appeals
The decision of an investigation may be appealed by a respondent, but it must be founded on reasonable grounds. The following are sole grounds for appeal:
1) Procedural error: a procedural error occurred that significantly impacted the outcome of final determination and/or sanction;
2) Disproportionate sanction(s): the sanctions imposed are substantially disproportionate to the severity of the violation;
3) New information: new information has surfaced which was unavailable or known to a respondent during an investigation or hearing.
The deadline from submitting an appeal differs among institutions; therefore consult your school’s policy and procedure guidelines concerning sexual misconduct for more details.
Title IX Advisor
Choosing an attorney to occupy the role of an advisor promotes equality by ensuring that your rights are protected during your school’s Title IX process. Attorney Todd Spodek is conversant with all aspects of Title IX matters and can help level the playing field for you . Contact him today to receive legal representation for your case!
Title IX charges and violations can turn around and radically affect an accused student’s life if they don’t get prompt legal defenses defending them properly during disciplinary proceedings. Todd.Spodek has years of experience passionately representing his clients against universities nationally offering suitable settlement outcomes while always prioritizing his client’s well-being. Being a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania and New Jersey along with being admitted as pro hac vice in federal court when needed using his services as a Title IX advisor is crucial to students facing disciplinary cases not only in Maryland but throughout the nation. Ensure that the rights and interests of you or your student are protected by hiring Todd Spodek today!