• 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 State College 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.

State College 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 State College, 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.  

State College, PA

State College, PA, is in central Pennsylvania, about 200 miles West of Philadelphia and 130 miles West of Wilkes-Barre.  You can enjoy plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and bars throughout the city. Thus, making it known also as “Happy Valley.” It is home to Penn State University’s main campus. Other colleges in the area include:

• Penn State
• Penn State College of Engineering
• South Hills School – Business
• Eberly College of Science
• Penn State – School of International Affairs
• Penn State Law
• Donald P. Bellisario College of Communication

While staying in State College, PA, there are various places you can visit. The most popular place for locals and visitors is the Arboretum at Penn State. The place is a 395-acre campus site known for its botanical gardens, educational center, and planetarium. You also don’t want to miss going to the Beaver Stadium, which is considered the fourth largest stadium in the world. It is home to the Penn State Nittany Lions, with a sitting capacity of 106,572.

Another place you can visit is the Happy Valley Vineyard and Winery. This vineyard is a great place for people who wants to see a beautiful afternoon view and enjoy the excellent wines and selection of cheeses. Be sure to check out the tour where you go through the different steps in the wine-making process. It will surely be a fun and educational experience. 

Places to Visit for Museum and Art Enthusiasts

• Palmer Museum of Art
• Frost Entomological Museum
• Penn State All-Sports Museum
• Columbus Chapel & Boal Mansion Museum
• Matson Museum of Anthropology
• Art Alliance Downtown Gallery

State College, PA, is also home to a wealth of museums and historical exhibits. If you want to learn more about the history and culture of State College, the museums above are open to the public. Aside from getting to know more about this wonderful place, you’ll also have the chance to meet folks who are culture enthusiasts as well. 

If you are into trails and wildlife, you’ll have a great time at Millbrook Marsh Nature Center. A lot of interesting birds and butterflies could be found here as well as other uncommon species. To make your visit easy, enjoyable and safe, be sure that you stay on the boardwalk. The place is great even if you bring kids since the boardwalk is well kept and there are clear markings in the area.

Parks in State College

Sunset Park is a must-visit when we talk about fun times with kids. Though it is just a little park, there are lots of things you can do here. You can relax while allowing your kids to have fun. It has a huge parking lot, picnic tables, and lots of shades, so you just simply pick your spot. Other parks you might want to check out with your family are Slab Cabin Park, Spring Creek Park, and Circleville Park.

For outdoor enthusiasts looking for forest adventure nearby State College, you can visit Rothrock State Forest. State College is only a few miles from the different entrances of Rothrock. You can reserve a campsite in the area for free. Just make sure that you contact the forest authorities first. 

State College, PA, certainly has a lot of things to offer for people who wanted to study, stay or visit.

Whether it is the amazing museums, zoo, or outdoors, there is something to be enjoyed in State College, PA.  While you are enjoying yourself, leave your case up to a qualified Title IX Attorney in Pennsylvania. Call today.