Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 was created to protect people against sex-based discrimination, harassment, and assault. Title IX specifically focuses on protecting against these offenses in educational institutions or programs that receive federal financial assistance.
Unfortunately, 50 years after Title IX was enacted, violations are still prevalent.
If you have been victimized by a Title IX violation, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the offending party. Contact White Law PLLC to learn more about your legal rights after suffering gender-based discrimination, harassment, or assault. You can get started with a free consultation with one of our Title IX lawyers in Michigan by giving us a call or using our online contact form.
Defining a Title IX Violation
Any act of gender-based discrimination, harassment, or assault committed by an educational institution or program that receives federal funding is a Title IX violation. Any of these acts committed by a representative of these institutions can result in legal action.
A Title IX violation can occur even if the gender-based offense does not. Title IX requires that all educational institutions receiving federal funding create and implement policies and procedures to facilitate the reporting and investigation of sex-based discrimination, harassment, and assault. An institution that fails to initiate these programs is guilty of a Title IX offense.
Failure to institute these policies and procedures constitutes a breach of the duty of care that is owed to students, faculty, and any others who have dealings with the educational institution in question.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Speaking Out Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Assault Is Never Easy
After suffering gender-based discrimination, harassment, or assault, speaking up is often the most difficult challenge victims face. Fortunately, the #MeToo movement has made things easier by showing victims they are not alone. However, these deeply personal offenses are still very hard to confront.
When pursuing legal action in a matter involving such a personal offense, it is critical to find an attorney with a history of handling these types of cases. A Michigan Title IX attorney can help you feel as comfortable as possible while pursuing compensation in a sensitive case, like yours. They can fight to get you the money you need without pushing you out of your comfort zone.
We’re not just lawyers. We’re passionate advocates who will ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
You Likely Are Not Alone
Cases involving discrimination, harassment, and assault based on gender are rarely isolated incidents. If you have been victimized by an educational institute, the odds are that others have experienced the same or similar abuse. Because of that, Title IX violation lawsuits often become mass torts.
If no other legal action has been taken on this matter yet, the reason is unlikely to be that you were the only victim. Instead, the odds are that you are simply the first victim to take action. When you hire a Title IX lawyer, they will investigate the offending institution and attempt to establish a pattern of poor behavior.
This investigation will likely uncover other victims who may be encouraged to pursue a lawsuit as well. Additionally, further victims will probably come forward of their own accord once they hear they are not alone. Mass torts tend to shine a light on the offenses that occurred and increase public support for the victims.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
How a Michigan Title IX Lawyer Can Help
When you hire a Title IX attorney, they will take a variety of actions to help get you justice. Some of the things you can expect a Michigan Title IX attorney to do include:
- Explain your rights and options under Title IX
- Conduct a thorough investigation into your claim
- Search through the offending party’s criminal record
- Look into the offending institution to discover any allegations they have faced in the past
- Represent you throughout the legal process as you pursue justice
- Argue your case in the courtroom, if necessary
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
The Offending Party May Face Criminal Charges as Well
Depending on the offense committed and other particulars of your case, the institution and any individual that violated Title IX may face criminal charges in addition to any civil lawsuit you pursue. Even if the defendant is able to avoid a criminal conviction, you are still eligible to file a lawsuit against them. Meanwhile, a guilty verdict can be used as evidence in your case.
For this reason, your attorney may advise you to delay filing a lawsuit until the criminal case has concluded. If the defendant is found not guilty, the verdict will not help your case. However, it will also not hurt your case. The burden of proof for a criminal trial is far higher than in a civil lawsuit.
For the defendant to be found guilty of a criminal offense, the prosecution must prove that guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. On the other hand, for a civil lawsuit, you must only show that the defendant is more likely than not to have committed the offense for which they are accused.
Reach Out to a Title IX Attorney in Michigan Today
When pursuing a lawsuit for a Title IX violation, it is essential that you hire an attorney with a proven track record in cases similar to yours. At White Law PLLC, our team of Title IX attorneys in Michigan has helped countless victims of Title IX offenses recover compensation after suffering sex-based discrimination, harassment, or assault.
Contact us today by phone or through our online contact form to schedule a free case review with a member of our legal team. One of our Michigan Title IX attorneys will review your case and answer all your questions. There is no obligation to hire us after your case review, so don’t hesitate to get started now.
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