Title IX Defense in Fort Worth, Texas
Serving students & Faculty nationwideFacing a Title IX accusation in Fort Worth can be one of the most challenging experiences of your academic or professional life. Whether you’re a student or faculty member at a K-12 school, charter school, college, or university that receives federal funding, the consequences of such allegations can be far-reaching.
Title IX cases deal with sensitive and often complicated issues, from sexual misconduct and harassment to gender discrimination. The outcomes of these cases can affect your academic standing, career prospects, and personal relationships.
At Kohrman Jackson & Krantz (KJK), we represent students, staff, and professors facing Title IX and other campus misconduct allegations. Our goal is to ensure that you are not only heard but also treated fairly throughout the legal process and its aftermath. Many people are unaware of their rights during these investigations, and the stakes couldn’t be higher when adverse actions like suspension, expulsion, or termination of employment are on the table.
Title IX
Why Hire KJK for Your Title IX Defense in Fort Worth, TX?
If you or a loved one are accused of sex-based discrimination, it’s critical to have a defense lawyer who understands the laws that govern these allegations and knows how to put together a strong defense. The experienced attorneys at our law firm have successfully represented both students and faculty members accused of misconduct in Fort Worth and throughout Texas.
Here’s why KJK is the right choice for your Title IX defense:
- Extensive Knowledge of Title IX Law: Our education lawyers are thoroughly familiar with Title IX regulations and how they are applied at various institutions and K-12 schools across Fort Worth. We stay up-to-date on changes in federal and state law that may affect your case.
- Providing Defense in Hearings: Many Title IX cases involve a live hearing where both parties can present their side of the story. We will prepare you for the hearing, cross-examine witnesses, and ensure that your defense is thoroughly presented.
- Proven Track Record: KJK has successfully represented numerous clients in Title IX cases, helping them avoid disciplinary actions and protect their futures. Our strategic approach ensures that you have the most effective representation.
- Protecting Due Process Rights: One of the most important aspects of Title IX is ensuring that all parties are treated fairly. Unfortunately, respondents are sometimes denied due process, with rushed investigations or biased decision-makers. Our attorneys will work to ensure that your case is handled with integrity and that your rights are respected.
- Appeals and Post-Decision Options: If the outcome of a Title IX investigation is not in your favor, it may not be the end of the road. Many educational entities have appeal processes in place, which allow the respondent to challenge a finding. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and can assist with filing an appeal and pursuing other legal remedies if necessary.
Going through a Title IX investigation can cause significant emotional distress. Our criminal defense attorneys provide compassionate, non-judgmental support throughout the process, ensuring that you never feel alone as you face these challenges.
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Title IX
What Is Title IX and How Can It Affect You?
Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits unlawful discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. This law covers public and private institutions across the country, including universities, colleges, and high school districts. While Title IX was initially established to promote gender equality in sports and protect female students in academic environments, it has since evolved to include a wide range of issues, including sexual harassment, assault, and other misconduct on campus.
In Fort Worth, educational entities that receive federal financial assistance are required to have procedures in place to address allegations of sexual misconduct and discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, etc. However, these procedures can vary from one institution to another, often leaving students and staff confused and vulnerable to unfair treatment. Title IX investigations can be complicated, with various factors influencing the outcome. That’s why having an experienced Title IX attorney by your side can make all the difference.
Title IX Allegations: What to Expect
A Title IX complaint typically triggers a formal investigation, during which both the accuser (known as the complainant) and the accused (the respondent) are interviewed. Witnesses are questioned, and evidence is collected. The school or school district’s Title IX office will use this information to decide whether there was a violation of Title IX regulations.
Although this may seem like a straightforward process, many aspects can complicate the situation. For instance, Title IX investigations often involve:
- Varying Standards of Proof: Unlike criminal cases, which require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, Title IX cases use a lower standard of evidence- often a “preponderance of the evidence” or “clear and convincing evidence” before awarding any compensatory damages. This means that the outcome may depend on whether it’s “more likely than not” that misconduct occurred.
- Bias and Unfair Practices: Unfortunately, some Title IX offices may have internal biases that favor one side over the other. These biases can lead to procedural errors or an unequal application of school policies, affecting the fairness of the investigation.
- Potential Consequences: A finding of responsibility for a Title IX violation can lead to serious consequences, including suspension, expulsion, or termination of employment. Even if a respondent is cleared of wrongdoing, the damage to their reputation can be long-lasting.
Common Title IX Violations- an Overview
Title IX covers a broad range of issues related to sex-based discrimination and misconduct. The most common types of violations that students and faculty members face include:
- Sexual Harassment: This includes unwanted conduct of a sexual nature (or based on sexual orientation), including inappropriate comments, touching, or advances. This can also involve targeting transgender students or indulging in quid pro quo harassment, where an individual in a position of power (e.g., a professor) conditions academic or professional benefits on sexual favors.
- Sexual Assault: Title IX investigations often involve allegations of sexual assault, which can have major consequences for both the accuser and the accused. It’s crucial to understand the school or school district’s definition of sexual assault, as this can vary from one institution to another.
- Retaliation: Retaliation occurs when someone who files a complaint (or participates in an investigation) faces negative consequences, such as being fired, demoted, or harassed. Retaliation is prohibited under Title IX, and individuals who experience it have legal recourse.
- Gender Discrimination: Federal courts have held that Title IX prohibits unlawful discrimination based on gender in any educational program or activity. This includes unequal treatment for student athletes in sports as well as restrictions on academic opportunities for transgender students at educational institutions.
FAQs
What Should I Do if I Receive a Title IX Notice?
If you receive a Title IX notice, the first and most important step is to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. These cases are highly sensitive, and how you respond in the early stages can have an impact on the outcome. Do not respond to the notice or participate in any interviews without consulting legal counsel, as anything you say or do could be used as evidence later.
An attorney with extensive trial experience can help you understand the allegations, your rights, and the school’s policies regarding Title IX investigations. They will review your case, guide you through what to expect, and prepare you for any meetings or interviews with investigators. Your attorney can also advise you on how to preserve evidence, identify witnesses, and ensure that your side of the story is fully documented.
Can Title IX Cases Result in Criminal Charges?
Yes. While these investigations are separate from criminal matters, certain allegations -such as sexual assault- can land you in the Texas criminal justice system. An investigation handled by your school does not replace a criminal investigation by law enforcement, and you may be subject to both processes simultaneously. It’s critical to have effective representation to protect your rights in both arenas.
Does Title IX Apply to Private Schools?
Yes, Title IX does apply to private schools, but only if those educational entities receive federal funding. Many private schools, especially universities and colleges, receive such funding through federal financial aid programs, research grants, or other forms of support. If a private school or educational program accepts such funding, it is required to comply with Title IX regulations just like public institutions.
However, if a private school does not receive any federal money, it is not legally required to follow Title IX. This distinction is important because some private institutions operate independently of federal financial support and, therefore, do not have to follow Title IX mandates. That said, many private schools have their policies and procedures for addressing sex-based discrimination and misconduct.
Contact KJK for Title IX Defense in Fort Worth, Texas
If you’re facing a Title IX investigation in Fort Worth, reach out to the Title IX attorneys at KJK for the legal representation and defense you need. Our legal team has decades of experience in these sensitive cases and is ready to stand by your side through this challenging time. Contact our law firm today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you with your Title IX case in Fort Worth.
Peer Advice
A Client’s Tips For Facing A Title IX Investigation
I OFFER THE FOLLOWING TIPS
For students who may be involved in a Title IX or related matter, I offer the following tips. First, I recommend that you call a Title IX lawyer before you make any other move. Following that step, one should consider staying away from public statements on the matter. I also recommend that this public silence be countered with engagement in therapy and frequent self-care. Similarly, reach out to the appropriate contact at your school to coordinate supportive measures so that you may continue with your academics. Establishing a list of hobbies and rituals to ground myself was incredibly helpful throughout the ups and downs of the case.
See What Our CLients are Saying about our title ix attorneys
Testimonials
We will be forever grateful to you for engaging with us to assist our son...
Kristina and Susan are very competent ...
Susan Stone and Kristina Supler represented our male college freshman...
against a false Title IX claim of non-consensual sexual intercourse. Current Title IX laws are strongly slanted in the accuser’s favor, and our son was denied due process by the university. This legal team expertly highlighted the accuser’s false accusations, while exposing the university’s many inconsistencies. They were there when we needed them – quick to take our phone calls or respond to our questions and concerns. Without their expert legal advice, our son would have likely been another silent and unfortunate victim of current Title IX university policies. We give Susan and Kristina the highest of recommendations!
I was a member of a fraternity at a public university...
that was kicked off campus for reported hazing. My involvement with the fraternity was unaware of any misdeeds being done, and was shocked when the school charged me with failure to report hazing. That’s when I contacted Susan and Kristina, who were extremely helpful and wonderful to work with. Thanks to them they helped guide me through collecting proof of my innocence, which ended up leading to the result we wanted of no charges against me. I highly recommend their service to anyone who might need it!
You are the utmost professional counselor...
Services
K-12 Student DefenseKJK’s Student & Athlete Defense practice group is here to protect your child’s future. Defending students of all ages, our team is here to make sure your family is given fair treatment when it comes to disciplinary actions issued by your school district.
Title IX
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