The Ramifications of an Unfavorable Title IX Result for the Accused

Experienced Title IX Defense Attorney

If you are a student who has been accused of sexual misconduct pursuant to Title IX, then chances are that you’re feeling overwhelmed and anxious about what the accusation could mean for your future.  Though the Title IX process is not a civil or criminal matter — it is handled by the educational institution and the consequences are institutional in nature — there are potentially serious ramifications.

Let’s take a closer look.

Expulsion and Related Institutional Punishments

The university may punish the student with a suspension (or even expulsion from a specific academic program, or the school as a whole) in the wake of the Title IX process.  Other disciplinary actions may be taken, such as a prohibition on the student living on-campus, for example.

This can have significant implications for the accused student and the continuation of their education (and their transition into the workforce).  The student may be left with no other option but to apply to other schools as an older student, thus being forced to reintegrate into a new environment at a vulnerable time — and when their focus would be better spent on attempting to break into the job market.

Broader Personal and Social Issues

The unfortunate reality of the Title IX process is that — even if the school ultimately comes down in favor of the accused — here may be lingering personal and social issues for the accused student.

Premature media conclusions, the student rumor mill, and the current social climate can all contribute to the accused student (despite having been “cleared” as innocent) being treated as dangerous, or unsavory.  There may be long-term ramifications for their social life, from abandonment to difficulty establishing new relationships on-campus.  Some professors may even take a negative stance towards the student, causing them to struggle in classes that would otherwise not be a problem.

Though a favorable result in the Title IX process is desirable, it’s worth noting that “timing” is of crucial importance — the sooner that the matter is handled, and with minimal visibility to the media (or even among on-campus groups), then the less likely it is that there will be long-term social ramifications for the accused student.

Contact Binnall Law Group, PLLC for Guidance

Binnall Law Group, PLLC is a boutique litigation firm with extensive civil and criminal defense practices.  Our team has decades of experience assisting clients with a range of complex litigation matters, including those that center around Title IX investigations and the unique institutional issues surrounding said process.

We are committed to thorough, client-oriented advocacy.  To that end, we work closely with accused students (and their families) in the Title IX context, identifying potentially winning strategies at an early stage and aggressively pushing to ensure that the rights of our clients are respected.  We understand that the process can be overwhelming emotionally, and are here to provide detailed guidance every step of the way.

If you’d like to speak with an experienced Title IX defense attorney at our firm, call us at 703-888-1943 or send us a message online to request a meeting at your earliest convenience.