Title IX Defense in Delaware

Why Should I Choose KJK Student & Athlete Defense for My Title IX Case? 

If you are facing accusations of violating Title IX, you need dedicated legal representation. The potential consequences are dire and may include suspension, loss of your job, and even criminal charges. Because every educational program has a different Title IX policy, this area of the law is unique, and not all lawyers are equally equipped to deal with these complex cases. 

KJK Student & Athlete Defense has extensive experience handling Title IX and other education cases. We’ve taken on over 1,000 cases at more than 200 colleges and universities throughout the country. We are widely regarded as experienced Title IX defense lawyers in the legal community and have received national recognition for our work. One of our attorneys, Susan Stone, was named Best Lawyers 2025 Lawyer of the Year in the Education category. Only one attorney receives the Lawyer of the Year designation in each category and location. The honor goes to the lawyer with the highest peer reviews in the category, so it’s highly competitive. 

Our lawyers understand the complexities of Title IX cases and realize how individual they are. We provided personalized legal strategies that are aligned with our clients’ specific objectives. Some cases may evolve into criminal charges or civil lawsuits, and we can also represent you through those related cases. In addition to our Title IX work, we handle student misconduct and special education cases. Contact us today to take advantage of a confidential consultation to learn more about your legal rights and obligations.

Common Violations of Title IX 

Various circumstances and actions can give rise to Title IX violations, including:

• Denying students admission into colleges or educational programs based on their sex
• Unequal allocation of resources between male and female programs
• Denying students an equal opportunity or equal funding in athletics
• Discriminating against students who are parents or pregnant
• Sexual harassment, including quid pro quo harassment
• Sexual assault
• Rape 

Why Do I Need a Title IX Defense Lawyer?

Students accused of violating Title IX have the right to an advisor of their choice. They can select a licensed attorney to fulfill this role. An experienced Title IX defense lawyer will understand the laws and can participate in Title IX proceedings to the maximum extent possible. They can also ensure that your due process rights are protected throughout the process and seek to hold the college accountable if it violates your rights. Our lawyers provide legal assistance and representation throughout all of the following:

Title IX Investigations

Federal laws and internal college policies require that the accused be included in all aspects of the Title IX investigation, including:

• Being notified of the charges against you
• Gathering evidence
• Reviewing findings and reports
• Responding to findings 
• Being present at interviews

Your lawyer can help you prepare for interviews, identify evidence and witnesses who can help support your version of events, and challenge the credibility of the claimant’s allegations and evidence. We meticulously review the investigation report once it is complete and help you prepare proper responses.

Hearings

Some schools have hearings to afford the accused the right to defend themselves. During hearings, the accuser testifies, has witnesses testify, and presents evidence like at trial. However, there is no cross-examination. Instead, you can submit a list of questions, and the hearing judge or panel asks the witnesses these questions. 

Your lawyer can help you prepare for any hearing in your case. They can help you prepare opening and closing statements and lists of questions for witnesses. They can also help you prepare for the questions you might be asked.

Retaliation Claims

Title IX cases often give rise to retaliation claims. If you try to contact the accuser, you could be violating a no-contact order or be considered to be retaliating against them. This includes any contact:

• In person
• By text
• On social media
• Over email
• Through a third party  

Sometimes, the accused is the victim of retaliation and may face consequences before their case has been concluded. Our lawyers can defend you against or pursue a retaliation claim on your behalf. 

Civil Lawsuit Defense 

Even if you are not found responsible for violating Title IX, the accuser may still decide to file a civil lawsuit against you. We defend students and faculty members in these types of cases, protecting your reputation and assets. 

Criminal Charges

Some claimants may decide to pursue a criminal case against the respondent. Our lawyers are criminal defense attorneys, so we can guide you through the Title IX process in a way that safeguards your rights while not incriminating you for any subsequent criminal proceedings. We will already be familiar with the facts and evidence, so we can raise solid defenses on your behalf.

Reputation Management 

We help remove damaging content about the circumstances online to protect your future. 

Colleges and Universities in Delaware 

Despite being one of the smallest states in the country, Delaware has several colleges and universities, including:

• Delaware State University
• Delaware Technical College
• Goldey-Beacom College
• University of Delaware
• Widener University Delaware Law School
• Wilmington University

Potential Consequences of Title IX Accusations

If you are found responsible for violating Title IX, you can face severe consequences, including:

• Job loss: Those who work at the college or university can be terminated. If you’re a faculty member, you could lose tenure. 
• Degree revocation: If you have already graduated, your degree can be revoked, which can cause issues with your current career and employment. 
• Expulsion: An expulsion could mean the end of your college career. Your expulsion will be reported in your academic records, which any other schools you apply to will receive when you sign a FERPA release form. If you don’t disclose this information and the new school finds out about it, it can revoke your acceptance.  
• Suspension: Being suspended from school can negatively affect your education. Your grades might drop, and you may be required to retake classes. 
• Loss of financial assistance: Being found responsible could result in losing scholarships, including athletic scholarships. The National Collegiate Athletic Association explains that if a student cannot be as involved with their sports activities as they had originally planned and agreed to, their scholarship can be reduced or cancelled.
• Loss of leadership positions: You could also be required to leave leadership positions.  Depending on the circumstances, this loss of leadership could affect your financial aid, too. For example, if you were a cadet in the ROTC program, you could be disenrolled, leading you to lose a scholarship, forfeit your military commission, and be required to repay previous scholarships you were already awarded.

An experienced Title IX defense lawyer will try to shield you from these harsh consequences and minimize the effects of a Title IX case on your future. 

Title IX Investigation Process 

If someone has accused you of sexual misconduct or other violations under Title IX, the educational institution must initiate an investigation promptly. A Title IX coordinator receives the complaint. They notify the claimant and respondent of the allegations and their rights under the process. 

An investigation then proceeds. During the investigation, the parties are interviewed. They can identify witnesses with additional information about the allegations or defense. Evidence is taken and might be analyzed. This could include:

• Physical evidence: Physical evidence could include clothing, drugs, alcohol, or paraphernalia, sheets, 
• Cell phone evidence: The parties might share their phone logs, text messages, or other information stored in their cell phones.
• Digital evidence: Digital evidence can include other electronic communications, posts on social media platforms, pictures, or videos. 
• Witness statements: Other people may have seen or heard aspects of the actions that form the basis of the complaint. 

After the investigation, the Title IX coordinator could conclude that there is insufficient evidence to support the allegations. If there is sufficient evidence, the parties can review the investigative report and have a chance to respond to what is in the report. Some schools end the process here, recommending sanctions. Others have hearings that act like mini-trials. 

If there is a hearing, the Title IX coordinator or a designated committee oversees it. The parties provide an opening and closing statement. They testify and can present a list of questions to ask the opposing party. At the conclusion of the hearing, they decide on responsibility. Any sanctions may then be imposed. 

Both parties have the right to have an advisor of their choice throughout these proceedings. At the end of a trial, either party can appeal the decision, but the grounds to appeal are limited. 

In many Title IX cases, the parties can mediate or otherwise agree to an informal resolution of the case. This effectively halts the case, allowing the parties to carry out the terms of their agreement without further involvement from the college or university. 

Contact KJK Today for a Confidential Case Review

If you are facing legal proceedings related to Title IX, contact an experienced Title IX defense lawyer for immediate legal assistance. KJK Student & Athlete Defense has extensive experience handling these cases. We can explain the process and guide you through it with confidence. Contact us today to get started with your consultation.