Title IX Defense in Philadelphia
Serving students & Faculty nationwideIf you have been accused of sexual misconduct on a college campus or other educational setting, you could be facing serious consequences per Title IX. However, don’t despair. The skilled legal team at KJK is ready to assist you throughout the Title IX process, ensuring your rights are protected at every phase.
KJK is nationally recognized for its role in zealously protecting the rights of the accused in Title IX proceedings and related civil and criminal investigations. We have successfully represented over 640 students and school employees, protecting their rights and safeguarding their futures. We have represented individuals at over 190 colleges and universities throughout the country. One of our attorneys, Susan Stone, was awarded the Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” award in the education category for 2025. Our law firm has extensive experience helping individuals accused of sexual assault, misconduct, and harassment. Call us today to take advantage of a confidential consultation.
Title IX
How Our Title IX Defense Lawyers Can Help
Complainants and respondents are allowed to have an advisor of their choice as part of the Title IX process. Hiring a Title IX and criminal defense attorney in this role has several benefits, including being made aware of the impact Title IX investigations and findings could have on any criminal charges filed in the case.
Our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Title IX defense lawyers can help with your case by:
- Reviewing your school’s specific Title IX policies and ensuring it follows them
- Explaining the Title IX investigative process
- Preparing you for investigator interviews
- Reviewing reports, notices, and
- Representing your interests at the Title IX hearing
- Helping prepare you for cross-examination during the Title IX hearing
- Filing civil lawsuits if the college or university has violated your rights
- Advising you on how the Title IX case can affect criminal charges
An attorney can help you throughout the Title IX process, ensuring you are afforded due process. Equally important is that you have a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side who can help you avoid providing evidence that can be used in criminal proceedings. Our Title IX defense lawyers have over 60 years of combined legal experience handling these matters.
Our experienced attorneys understand how a finding of misconduct can affect a student’s future. We stay updated on the latest changes in Title IX laws and procedures. We provide dedicated legal representation leveraged on our decades of experience. Contact us today to learn how we can protect your rights during this challenging time.
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What Is Title IX?
Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex. It applies to any school, college, university, or educational program that receives federal funding.
Title IX was initially passed to combat the problem of higher education institutes denying female applicants admission to their schools based solely on their sex. It was also fundamental in addressing disparities in funding related to collegiate athletic programs.
Today, Title IX applies to individuals already enrolled and protects students and school employees from harassment and discrimination based on sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, and parental status. If schools fail to investigate complaints of sexual misconduct prohibited by Title IX or fail to enforce its policy, they can lose federal funding.
Common Types of Title IX Complaints
Title IX allegations can take many forms, including the following:
Sexual Assault
Title IX prohibits sexual assault, which may include nonconsensual physical touching, forced sexual contact, and sexual encounters where consent is not provided or possible. Many sexual assault cases on college campuses involve alcohol or drugs, and consent may be a pivotal question. Additionally, the participants’ memories of these events may differ, sometimes leading to unfounded allegations. Sexual assault allegations may spur criminal investigations and lead to charges, making it even more essential to hire a criminal defense attorney if facing such accusations.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment occurs when someone affiliated with the college (possibly including a student) creates a hostile environment due to offensive conduct that is severe or pervasive enough to interfere with another’s education or deprive them of the benefits of education. Sexual harassment can take many forms, including unwanted sexual comments and contact. Examples of sexual harassment may include:
- Lewd comments
- Sexual advances
- Comments to others about sexual experiences
- Making comments to others about their body or sexual acts
- Commenting on or asking questions about previous sexual experiences or preferences
Sexual Discrimination
Title IX also prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. This could include providing less funding for women’s athletic programs compared to men’s, for example. Sexual discrimination can also include discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation per the 2024 rule changes. It can also include discriminating against students who are pregnant or parents.
Sexual Coercion
Sexual coercion happens when a sexual partner does not take no for an answer. Eventually, the coerced party may agree to submit after repeated requests or demands. Even if this act may not be considered a crime in some jurisdictions, it could still run afoul of Title IX.
Sexual Exploitation
Sexual exploitation can involve taking or sharing intimate photos, videos, or other representations of another person without their permission.
Dating Violence
Title IX can also involve acts of violence between dating or intimate partners. It can also involve stalking.
Title IX Process
Every school is responsible for establishing procedures related to Title IX. The different components of a Title IX case may include:
Report
The process begins when someone makes a complaint alleging a Title IX violation. This could be a harassed student, a mandatory reporter for Title IX purposes, or another person. Notice of the complaint is sent to the respondent, who has a chance to respond to the allegations.
Informational Meeting
The Title IX coordinator may have separate meetings with the complainant and respondent. The purpose of these meetings is to explain the Title IX process and the student’s rights. Parties have a right to have an advisor of their choice present during every step of the process.
Investigation
The Title IX coordinator refers the case to an investigator. The investigator sets up interviews with the complainant, respondent, and any witnesses. A Title IX defense lawyer can help prepare you for the questions you can anticipate during this process and advise you on ways to prevent you from incriminating yourself.
Draft Report
After the investigator has completed their investigation, they prepare a draft report. The parties have an opportunity to review the draft, comment, and provide additional information to the investigator before the report becomes final.
Hearing
Schools may have a formal hearing process in which one hearing officer or a panel listen to witnesses and evaluate evidence. This process proceeds similarly to a trial in which the parties make opening statements, present their own testimony, and present questions to witnesses.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officers issue a finding of “Responsible” or “Not Responsible.” If there is a finding of responsibility, the hearing officers determine which sanctions to impose.
Appeal
Either party can appeal a decision, but grounds for appeal are usually limited to the following:
- Rules were not followed
- New evidence has been presented that was not previously available
- The sanction is excessive
- The hearing officers were biased
How Is a Title IX Case Different from a Criminal Case?
Title IX is a specific area of law related to schools, universities, and other educational institutions. As such, the possible consequences are limited to action your college could take against you, called “sanctions.” In contrast, criminal cases can result in imprisonment, fines, and other criminal consequences.
The burden of proof is different in Title IX cases than in criminal cases. Title IX cases have a “preponderance of the evidence” standard for sanctions to be imposed. Criminal cases require proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
That being said, Title IX cases can and often do result in criminal charges being lodged against the accused. Because your statements and any information obtained against you could potentially be used in a criminal case to convict you, working with an experienced criminal defense lawyer is essential to protect your rights in both forums.
Possible Consequences to Title IX Allegations
If you are a college student facing sexual misconduct charges or other disciplinary action pursuant to Title IX, you could be subject to the following consequences:
- Expulsion from school
- Suspension from school
- Mandatory relocation to a different dormitory or off-campus
- A no-contact order prohibiting contact between you and the alleged victim
- Mandatory withdrawal from shared classes
- Loss of scholarships
- Removal from college sports teams or organizations
- Loss of leadership positions
- Loss of financial aid
- Inclusion of the findings at the disciplinary hearing on your academic transcript
These consequences can make it difficult to continue your education or go to graduate school. The damage to your reputation can last for years to come.
If you are a college professor or other school employee found responsible for Title IX policy violations, you could lose tenure, the position at your college, and benefits. Your damage could be tarnished, making it difficult to be hired for any other education program.
Legal Representation in Philadelphia Title IX Cases
Title IX violations can arise in any educational setting in Philadelphia, including private schools, colleges, and universities. Cases may arise from the following:
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
- Temple University
- Drexel University
- West Chester University
- Arcadia University
- Villanova University
- Saint Joseph’s University
- La Salle University
At KJK, we know how hard you have worked to get into your educational program. We have extensive experience representing students and faculty members in disciplinary hearings. We can help mount a strong defense in your case and protect your due process rights.
Contact Us Today for Your Confidential Consultation
If you are confronting Title IX violations, do not wait to reach out for legal advice and representation. The Title IX department is actively working to build a case against you. An experienced attorney can develop a defense strategy customized to your particular case and ensure your rights are protected. Call us today or contact us online for a confidential initial consultation.
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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