Title IX: Protecting LGBTQ+ Students from Sexual Misconduct at Virginia Colleges and Universities

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits gender discrimination in federally funded colleges and universities. The law intends to remedy numerous gender-related issues that create a hostile educational environment, such as a disparity in athletic opportunities, inequitable admissions, sexual violence, and sexual harassment. While Title IX’s provisions are adequate to protect students of all demographics against sexual misconduct, the law needed to evolve along with society to provide more robust protection for LGBTQ+ students.

LGBTQ+ students can be subjected to gender discrimination, particularly sexual misconduct, at significantly higher rates than other students. Consequently, Title IX’s provisions have been extended to protect these vulnerable groups. 

LGBTQ+ Students as Respondents

While narratives of LGBTQ+ students as victims of sexual misconduct are acknowledged, there have not been many discussions about what happens when they are falsely accused of such acts. Queer respondents already belong to an incredibly marginalized demographic; being branded as perpetrators of any kind of sexual misconduct can be devastating for them. Before an LGBTQ+ student proves their innocence or guilt through school proceedings, society projects premature judgments onto respondents that causes people to mistreat them.

Impacts of Stereotypes or Prejudices on Title IX Cases

LGBTQ+ individuals also have difficulties gaining acceptance on college campuses in general, which makes it challenging for them if they face false accusations. People perceive non-straight groups as over-sexualized and impulsive with uncontrollable sexual desires due to stereotypes portrayed by society. These beliefs create an atmosphere that makes people feel justified in harassing queer respondents instead of believing their side of the story.

Your Rights

If you are an LGBTQ+ student falsely accused of sexual misconduct, you are entitled to several rights throughout the Title IX process:

1. The right to receive notice of the charges brought against you before school processes or disciplinary actions commence.
2. The right to hear a description of the institution’s evidence against you and its sources.
3. The right to present your account of events to an impartial panel that isn’t biased in any form or fashion.
4. The right to have an attorney present during the hearing to protect your interests.
5. The right not to deny access to counseling services or other school services offered by the academic institution.
6. Lastly, you’ll have the right for your case heard under standard procedures used for all similar cases.

Student Defense Attorney Helping Clients in Virginia

LGBTQ+ students falsely accused of sexual misconduct can contact an attorney who will be on their side, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Todd Spodek has devoted his life fighting for students’ rights when they are falsely accused of sexual misconduct. He can help gather facts, testify, and gain insight into your school’s policies and processes so you have a chance of defending yourself adequately.

If you are an LGBTQ+ student facing charges related to Title IX, Todd Spodek is here to support you throughout the process as a Title IX advisor during investigations, hearings, and appeals.

Virginia Colleges and Universities Where Todd Spodek Can Help

The list below is non-exhaustive; Todd Spodek can counsel clients at any colleges and universities in Virginia State with Title IX-related allegations:

| Advanced Technology Institute | Argosy University Washington D.C |
| Averett University | Averett University Non Traditional Programs |
| Aviation Institute Of Maintenance Chesapeake | Aviation Institute Of Maintenance Manassas |
| Bethel College | Blue Ridge Community College |
| Bluefield College | Bon Secours Memorial College Of Nursing|
| Bridgewater College | Bryant & Stratton College Hampton |
| Bryant And Stratton College Richmond | Bryant And Stratton College Virginia Beach|
| Central Virginia Community College | Centura College Chesapeake |
| Centura College Newport News | Centura College Norfolk |
| Centura College Richmond Main | Centura College Richmond Westend|
| Centura College Virginia Beach | Chamberlain College Of Nursing |
| Christopher Newport University | College Of William And Mary |
| Dabney S Lancaster Community College | Danville Community College |
| DeVry University Virginia | Eastern Mennonite University |
| Eastern Shore Community College | ECPI University |
| Emory And Henry College | Everest College Arlington|
| Everest College Chesapeake | Everest College McLean|
| Everest College Newport News | Ferrum College|
| Fortis college Norfolk | Fortis college Richmond|
| George Mason University  Germaanna Community college |

Hampden Sydney college  

Hampton university 

Hollins university

ITT Technical Institute Chantilly  

ITT Technical Institute NorfolK

ITT Technical Institute RichmonD  

ITT Technical Institute Salem  

ITT Technical Institute Springfield  

J Sargeant Reynolds CommunitY

James Madison UniversitY

Jefferson college of Health ScienceS

John Tyler Community ColleG

Liberty UniversitY

Longwood UniversitY

Lord Fairfax Community CollegE

Lynchburg CollegE

Mary Baldwin CollegE

Marymount UniversitY

Miller Motte Technical collegE

Mountain Empire Community collegE

National CollegE

New River community collegiate affairS

Norfolk State University

Nova Southeastern University

Old Dominion University

Patrick Henry community colleG

Paul D Camp community collegE

Piedmont Virginia Community collegE

Potomac CollegErichmond  
Radford Observe collegE
Randolph CollegElife attitude satgreene@randolphcollege.edu
Randolph Macon Collegethe title should be removed to make everything balanced

Rappahannock community CollEG

Regent UniversitY
Richard Bland College of the College Of William and MarY

Roanoke CollegE

Saint Pauls CollEG

Sanford Brown College Tysons corneR

Shenandoah UniversitY

Skyline CollegE RoanokE

South University Virginia BeacH

Southern Virginia UniversitY

Southside Virginia Community CollegE

Southwest Virginia Community collegE

Stratford UniversitY

Sweet Briar ColleG

The Art Institute of Virginia Beach  

The Art Institute of Washington  

The Art Institute of Washington Northern Virginia  

University Of Mary WashingtoN

University Of Phoenix Northern Virginia campuS

University Of Phoenix RichmonD

These students are supported by Todd Spodek, who has been defending their rights for over a decade. He prioritizes his clients’ needs and well-being while fighting to preserve their future.

Why Choose an Experienced Title IX Attorney?

Title IX allegations can change the lives of accused students if they are not dealt with properly and as early as possible during the disciplinary process. Therefore it is crucial to have a dedicated and experienced advocate when challenging potentially life-altering lawsuits. Todd Spodek prioritizes the needs and rights of his clients to obtain the best outcomes.

Make certain that interests are legally protected against any Form of Title IX arising from sex-based or gender discrimination. Contact National Title IX attorney Todd Spodek today at 212-300-5196 for consultation.