Title IX Defense New Jersey

Common Violations Under Title IX

While the language included in Title IX is relatively straightforward, its scope is far-reaching. Title IX can involve accusations of any of the following:

• Sexual discrimination: Title IX’s core principle prohibits treating someone differently in an educational setting due to their biological sex, such as treating male students better (less strict discipline, higher grades, acceptance rates into STEM programs, etc.) simply because they are male.
• Sexual harassment: Title IX also prohibits harassment that fundamentally alters the terms and conditions of the educational environment based on sex.
• Sexual misconduct: Some sexual conduct may not be criminal in nature but can nevertheless violate Title IX. For example, many colleges require affirmative consent for sexual activity occurring on college campuses, which requires all participants in sexual activity to affirmatively consent to it, rather than just not saying no. 
• Discrimination against parents: Title IX also prohibits discriminating against students, faculty members, or staff members because they are parents, pregnant, or nursing.
• Sexual violence: Domestic violence, sexual battery, assault, and rape are also prohibited under Title IX. 

If you are accused of violating any of the Title IX rules, reach out today for legal assistance.

Who Does Title IX Apply To?

Title IX rules apply to all federally funded schools, including elementary, secondary, and postsecondary. They also apply to educational programs, such as those offered by rehabilitation programs and libraries. They protect students, faculty, and staff. 

Title IX also mandates equal opportunities in sports, including facilities, treatment, and team benefits.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer If I’m Accused of Violating Title IX?

Title IX cases are unlike any other. They involve an administrative process, but each school is responsible for creating and enforcing its own Title IX policy. This makes every case unique. 

Even experienced attorneys don’t always understand how these cases work. Additionally, the rules regarding Title IX are updated periodically, so they are subject to change. This emphasizes the need to work with a lawyer who regularly handles Title IX cases.

A lawyer’s role in these cases is different than in other types of cases where they can aggressively advocate for their clients. While they can be present for interviews and hearings, they cannot cross-examine witnesses or interfere with the process. Instead, they can help ensure that your due process rights are protected, prepare you for an interview, prepare questions for witnesses, and prepare appeals if you were wrongfully found responsible for violating Title IX. Advisors without legal backgrounds may not understand the nuances of these cases or how to help you throughout the legal process. 

Research shows that if you are involved in a Title IX action or facing a serious conduct code violation, contacting an attorney early improves your likelihood of a better outcome. Contact KJK Students & Athlete Defense today for a confidential consultation. 

Why Choose KJK Student & Athlete Defense as Your Legal Advisor?

KJK Student & Athlete Defense has successfully represented more than 1,000 people in more than 200 colleges and universities throughout the country, providing us with an unparalleled level of experience and focus. Our law firm is nationally recognized for defending the rights of students and professors in Title IX cases, campus misconduct claims, and related criminal prosecutions. 

Kristina Supler, a co-chair and partner from KJK Student & Athlete Defense, received the 2026 Lawyer of the Year award in the Education category from Best Lawyers. Only one attorney can receive this distinction for each location and category, and the attorney who is awarded this distinction has received the highest peer reviews in the category. This designation shows how experienced we are in the education law arena and how much our peers respect us.

We understand the impact that Title IX cases can have on an accused’s future. In addition to providing a strong defense in Title IX cases, we also help clear reputations that have been negatively affected by unfounded claims and represent clients in related criminal matters. We can also defend you in any civil claims you face related to the underlying Title IX allegations.

At KJK Student & Athlete Defense, our motto is that we save futures. We don’t want a momentary lapse in judgment or an exaggerated claim to wreck your future, so we provide robust defense services to prevent that from happening. Call us today to begin with a confidential consultation.

The Title IX Investigative Process

The Title IX process is different in every school. Schools must follow their own policies that they create. While there is no such thing as a “typical” Title IX case, most of these cases involve the following process:

• The alleged victim or other person makes an allegation of Title IX violations. 
• The matter is referred to the Title IX office. 
• The Title IX coordinator meets with the accuser and explains the process. 
• The Title IX coordinator notifies the respondent of the allegations against them and explains the process.
• A Title IX investigator is assigned to the case and conducts interviews with various people, such as the alleged victim, the respondent, and witnesses.
• The Title IX investigator gathers additional evidence, such as videos, photos, social media messages, and text messages.
• The Title IX investigator prepares a report with the findings. 
• The parties have an opportunity to respond to the findings.
• Sanctions are imposed, or the matter is resolved. 

Title IX also usually provides an opportunity for the parties to engage in an informal process, such as mediation, to resolve the case. 

Some schools allow for a hearing in which the accused can confront their accuser and ask witnesses questions. At the end of the hearing, the decision maker or panel renders a decision and imposes any sanctions.

The parties can appeal the decision, but not because they disagree with the final outcome. Appeals are generally limited to procedural errors, new evidence that was not available at the time of the original proceedings, or conflict or bias.

An experienced Title IX defense lawyer can assist you throughout this entire process. 

Who We Represent 

At KJK Student & Athlete Defense, we proudly represent individuals accused of violating Title IX and other forms of campus misconduct, including:

• Preschool students
• K-12 students
• Undergraduate students
• Graduate students
• Doctoral students
• Professionals
• University faculty and staff
• Scientists and researchers
• Fraternal organizations

Contact us today to discuss your specific situation with a qualified legal professional. 

Colleges and Universities Throughout New Jersey

New Jersey has several colleges and universities despite its small size, including the following:

• The College of New Jersey
• Kean University
• Montclair State University
• New Jersey City University
• New Jersey Institute of Technology
• Ramapo College
• Rowan University
• Rutgers University
• Stockton University
• Thomas Edison State University
• William Paterson University
• Caldwell University
• Centenary University
• Drew University
• Fairleigh Dickinson University
• Felician University
• Georgian Court University
• Monmouth University
• Princeton University
• Rider University
• Saint Elizabeth University
• St. Peter’s University
• Seton Hall University
• Stevens Institute of Technology

Differences Between Title IX and Criminal Cases

Criminal and Title IX cases have some similarities. They may involve the same underlying action, such as sexual assault. However, they are not the same. Some of the key distinctions include:

• Due process rights: Criminal defendants and respondents in Title IX cases have the right to due process, meaning that they must be informed of the allegations against them and have an opportunity to defend themselves. However, how these due process rights are executed is very different. There are many safeguards in criminal proceedings, including the right of the defendant to be formally charged with a crime, to be informed of their legal rights and the charges against them, to have an attorney appointed for them if they cannot afford one, and to cross-examine witnesses. Title IX respondents must be informed of the allegations against them, but they don’t have the right to an appointed attorney, to cross-examine witnesses, or even to a formal hearing in some cases.
• Burden of proof: Because a person’s freedom is at stake in a criminal proceeding, the prosecution has the highest burden of proof in a criminal case of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The burden of proof in a Title IX case is generally by the preponderance of the evidence.
• Possible penalties: Criminal penalties include jail time, probation, and fines. Title IX penalties include what the college or university has power over, such as expelling or suspending a student, firing a faculty member, or denying tenure. 
• Roles of others: The criminal system is designed to provide separation between the various parties involved. For example, the prosecution works separately from the judge. Juries are independent of both. However, in Title IX cases, the school is often the investigator, judge, and jury, making it difficult for the accused to get a fair process.

Contact KJK Student & Athlete Defense for a Confidential Consultation

If you or your child was accused of violating Title IX, KJK Student & Athlete Defense can provide legal assistance and guidance. We can review the situation against you, explain the allegations, and build a customized legal strategy. Contact us today to get started with your defense.