Title IX Discipline

Nationwide Representation in Legal and Disciplinary Actions Under Title IX

Though it is most often associated with athletics, Title IX also affords protection from a range of harms from sexual harassment and assault to employment discrimination.  

If you believe your Title IX rights have been violated, don’t hesitate to call our highly experienced Title IX and Conduct Code attorneys as soon as possible to discuss your situation.

Rights Under Title IX

Students and employees have many different rights under Title IX, including rights that prohibit gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and unlawful retaliation. Gender discrimination can occur against females, males, and transgender individuals.  Further, section (a)(8) of the act also extends protections to students who are also parents, meaning that if a school provides mother-daughter services or activities to it students or staff, it should provide comparable father-son opportunities (and visa versa).

Potentially unlawful retaliation under the act includes any type of adverse treatment in response to reporting potentially unlawful discrimination or harassment. Examples of adverse retaliatory treatment against students can include the following:

• Denial of permission to participate on an athletic team, a reduction in the amount of playing time, or change to a less-desirable position on the team
• Reduction in grades in academic courses
• Harassment or other mistreatment on the athletic field or in the classroom
• Suspension or expulsion from a program or from the institution.

In addition to students, employees can also suffer from unlawful retaliation, including:

• Harassment or mistreatment from supervisors or administrators
• A decrease in pay
• Material change in job duties
• Demotion
• Termination
• Refusal by the employer to provide a positive job reference.

Common Title IX Cases

If you believe you are a victim of unlawful sex discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, Title IX gives you the right to file a civil action against the institution. In addition, a teacher or coach may pursue legal action against their school for discriminatory policies or acts it commits against students. Some of the actions commonly filed involve the following issues:

• Sexual assault and harassment
• Inequitable treatment or funding of athletic programs and opportunities
• Pregnancy discrimination
• Employment discrimination
• Bullying
• Opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) or career technical education (CTE)
• Disparate disciplinary policies based on gender

Who We Represent

We represent anyone who believes that their rights under Title IX have been violated. This includes:

• Student defendants who have been accused of sexual assault or/and a violation of the educational institution’s code of conduct. We help these students and their families navigate the school’s complex disciplinary investigation and hearing procedures.
• Students who bring a claim against another student, staff member, or the university and believe that their claim is being (or has been) improperly investigated or handled. Often, these persons are re-traumatized during the investigative process, and may suffer psychological injuries when the defendant is determined to be “not responsible.”
• Faculty and staff members who make a claim of sexual harassment or discrimination against an educational institution in an employment context (i.e., denial of promotion due to gender or sexual identity). Students who also work as Teaching Assistants and in related positions are considered employees under Title IX.
• Coaches, players, and other parties who file a claim against an educational institution in an athletic context (for example, female players who are denied access to training facilities, or female coaches who are paid less than male coaches).

This list is not inclusive. Anyone who is in an educational institution setting and believes that they are the victim of sexual discrimination may bring a claim under Title IX. Contact our law firm today to discuss the specifics of your case in detail and learn more about your rights.