• Suspension

A suspension is a serious interruption of studies, which can affect your future plans, including the possibility of being accepted by other universities for further studies. A gap in your academic transcript would not only make it difficult for you to transfer to another school but will also impact your ability to pursue graduate studies. Ultimately, a suspension affects your career prospects and other lifelong opportunities. 

If you want to transfer to another university, they will ask for a signed FERPA form to release your records, which will include records of discipline. If you refuse to sign the release, they may not consider your application. 

• Expulsion

If you were to be expelled, it will show up on your college transcript. You will need to address your violation during an application process with a new prospective college. If you don’t disclose your disciplinary action and the school finds out about it from elsewhere, the school can revoke your acceptance.  

• Degree Revocation

Some schools also reserve the right to revoke a student’s degree upon a finding of a Title IX (or related student misconduct) violation. 

• Loss of Athletic Scholarship and Other Financial Assistance

As part of Title IX, all-female and male student-athletes may be entitled to scholarship awards proportional to their involvement in sports. If a student is found to have committed serious misconduct that requires a disciplinary penalty or renders themselves ineligible for intercollegiate competition, then the college can reduce or cancel the scholarship, according to the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Likewise, students receiving other forms of financial assistance are also at risk of losing that support.   

• Loss of Eligibility

Students accused of Title IX violations, such as sexual harassment, may lose their eligibility to participate in college athletics. This could affect them not just academically, but also athletically and financially in terms of loss of scholarships or professional opportunities.

• Loss of Leadership Positions and Other Areas of Distinction

A Title IX finding of responsibility can result in a student being removed from leadership positions in student organizations or other programs. For example, a cadet participating in an ROTC program may face a disenrollment proceeding which could result in a loss of an academic scholarship, immediate repayment of the previously awarded scholarship and forfeiture of a military commission.       

How We Can Help

Our team of attorneys offers counsel and student advising for college students. We will participate in disciplinary hearings, Title IX investigations and criminal court if you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony associated with your misconduct.

Title IX Investigations

Your rights under Title IX allow you to be included in all aspects of the investigation of your case.

The investigation process includes:

• Notifying all parties involved
• Gathering evidence
• Reviewing all information
• Writing a report of findings

You are allowed to have an advisor of your choice, like a lawyer, present at all your meetings. Title IX gives you the right to review evidence gathered against you, and you will receive a copy of the investigation report when it is complete. 

Investigations typically last around 60 days but may take longer if the allegations are more complex. There are no laws requiring the investigation to be completed in that time frame. The DOE Office for Civil Rights states the length of the investigation will vary depending on the number of incidents, complainants and witnesses.

Hold Colleges Accountable and Ensure You Receive Due Process and Fundamental Fairness

Due process is the set of rules to ensure all individuals involved in disputes are treated fairly. An attorney will protect your due process rights by making sure your college follows the federal guidelines. Our lawyers’ trial experience translates to a strong defense for you during the investigation and hearing.

Cross-Examination

Both party’s advisors can question witnesses and the other party about the alleged incident at a hearing. All questions must be relevant to the case, and advisors cannot ask questions about the complainant’s past sexual behavior. Cross-examination is an effective tool in testing the credibility of witnesses. 

Hiring an attorney is beneficial in many ways. Here are some of the services your lawyer provides to help win your case:

• Gathering Evidence

A lawyer will help you collect evidence and find witnesses of the alleged incident to obtain their statements. Your lawyer will help you prepare for your interview as well as your opening statement for a Title IX hearing.

• Preventing and Pursuing Retaliation Claims

Any attempt to contact your accuser can be considered retaliation. Your lawyer will advise you not to email, text or see your accuser in person. You can also be responsible if a third party contacts your accuser. Similarly, if anyone retaliates against you merely due to the nature of the allegations in the Title IX case, your lawyer will assist in pursuing a retaliation claim on your behalf. 

• Civil Suit Defense

Title IX violations can be used against you in a civil suit. You may be sued for damages by your accuser, even if you were not found responsible for a policy violation. Your attorney can help defend you in litigation.

• Defense Against Criminal Charges

Our lawyers are experienced at handling misdemeanor and felony criminal charges in court. If you are found in violation of a school policy and charged with a crime like sexual assault, your attorney already knows the details of your case and can help you mount a strong defense.

• Reputation Management & Content Removal

An attorney can work on repairing your reputation so that you can put the allegations behind you. Our team assists in reputation management by preparing a narrative to present to the court of public opinion. You don’t want allegations of sexual misconduct impacting your chances of future employment or your ability to enroll in higher education programs. An attorney can also assist in having defamatory online content removed.

Hire a Kalamazoo Title IX Lawyer You Can Rely On

Our lawyers at KJK will help you navigate your school’s procedures regarding Title IX violations and any potential criminal charges. To find out how we can help you with your Title IX case, fill out our online contact form.

Kalamazoo Title IX Attorney

Title IX accusations can have damaging effects on the student that is being put through an investigation. It can not only affect the studies of the student but can also carry into their career. Title IX is very serious, and you need to have appropriate representation for a proper defense. As Title IX attorneys in Kalamazoo, we offer Title IX legal services to help with the process. We will be there through the investigation and even provide our own investigation. 

The ramifications, if found guilty of a Title IX violation, can have a lifelong effect on the student’s life. This can lead to suspension and expulsion from the school. However, the student will have a difficult time finding another school that will accept them. There can be financial losses due to the loss of athletic scholarships or financial assistance.  

Kalamazoo, MI

Kalamazoo, MI, is located in the Southwest Corner of the state. Kalamazoo is about 47 miles South of Grand Rapids. It is home to a handful of colleges, such as Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Western Michigan University, and Kalamazoo College.  However, a few other schools, such as Kellogg Community College, Glen Oaks Community College, and Southwestern Michigan College, are only a few miles away.

Kalamazoo, itself is home to the Kalamazoo promise, where the city’s children will get tuition paid for if they attend one of the participating schools and meet the qualifications.  This was a measure taken to draw a better crowd to the area. 

When visiting Kalamazoo, you will quickly find there is a lot to do in the area.  If you are into nature, then you might want to check out Kleinstuck Preserve/Nature Trail, Bow in the Clouds Preserve, and ASylum Lake Preserve.  There is also:

• Kalamazoo Nature Center
• Markin Glen County Park
• Al Sabo Preserve
• Fort Custer Recreation Area
• Milham Park
• Kalamazoo River Valley Trail
• Lakeview Park
• Richland Community Center Trails
• More.

There are so many places to enjoy getting out and being with nature in this area.  However, if that isn’t something you are interested in, you might want to check out some happenings in the area.  

Other Attractions in Kalamazoo, MI

Henderson Castle is a place that many people like to go and see.  If you love the look of castles but don’t have the budget to travel overseas, then this is your stop!  This castle-like structure is rich with history and offers a B&B-style stay. 

The Kalamazoo Valley Museum offers hands-on exhibits from around the globe, but it is encouraged to make reservations as there is only so much capacity.  The Air Museum is another attraction that is unique to Kalamazoo. Here you will learn about airplanes. 

Kalamazoo is known for its contributions to the pharmaceutical industry.  It is also home to one of the oldest newspapers in Michigan, the Kalamazoo Gazette.  Here, Upjohn headquarters, Checker motors, Gibson Guitars, and Stryker Corp.  This is also where you will find Bell’s Brewery, which is actually a very small bar located near downtown. 

The Kalamazoo Farmer’s Market is a very popular place in the summertime as well. Here you will find up to 100 vendors, and it is a great place to visit in the summer months.  

If you have a chance to visit the Kalamazoo State Theatre, you should. This is an old theatre full of beautiful design that is a must-see.  Here there are small concerts and plays and things that are hosted.  

Dining and Drinking in Kalamazoo MI

If you like to drink, then Kalamazoo will not disappoint. There is the Lawton Ridge Winery and Green Door Distilling Company, and you can even take a tour of the Beers in the area with the West Michigan Beer Tours.  The people of West Michigan love their microbreweries and wines!

While you are here, you don’t have to just enjoy microbreweries and wine. There are many great restaurants in the area as well.  Here you will find

• Bell’s Eccentric Cafe
• One Well Brewing 
• Zooroona
• Cosmo’s Cucina & O’Duffy’s
• Theo & Stacy’s
• Nina’s Cafe and Carousel 
• The Studio Grill
• Rustica
• More

There is simply something for everyone to enjoy in Kalamazoo, MI.  While you are enjoying yourself, leave your case up to a qualified Title IX Attorney in Michigan. Call today.