Dizon & Shedden, P.C., works with colleges, universities, and school districts to investigate allegations of sex- and gender-based misconduct, including those that fall under Title IX. When a school receives a report or complaint alleging such misconduct, we are often engaged to investigate the allegations in compliance with Title IX and school policy.
Title IX is a federal law that was passed in 1972 as part of the Education Amendments Act. It is broad in scope and prohibits discrimination based on sex in any educational institution or activity that receives federal funding. Under Title IX, colleges, universities, school districts, and other educational institutions that receive federal funding are required to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into formal complaints of sexual harassment which are within the scope of Title IX and associated federal regulations. A Title IX investigation can involve allegations of sexual harassment between students, faculty/staff and students, or employees. Sexual harassment under Title IX is conduct on the basis of sex that is quid pro quo harassment, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking.
Typically, the investigation begins when the Title IX Coordinator receives a formal complaint. The Title IX Coordinator then appoints an investigator, who may be internal or external, and notice of the investigation and allegations is provided to the parties. The investigator is tasked with conducting thorough and impartial investigation within a reasonably prompt timeframe, consistent with school or college policy. The investigator will interview the the Complainant and Respondent, as well as any identified witnesses, and gather all available evidentiary materials. Once the investigation has concluded, the investigator produces a report that will be used to determine whether it is more likely than not that a Title IX violation occurred.
Outsourcing a Title IX investigation demonstrates a commitment to fairness for all individuals involved and can be your organization’s best defense to allegations of bias or noncompliance. In addition, a third-party investigation can conserve valuable resources. As experienced Title IX investigators, our investigations are efficient and cost-effective while remaining unbiased and sensitive towards the individuals making the allegations and to those facing allegations of misconduct.
We investigate allegations of Title IX violations with integrity, sensitivity, and objectivity, and offer our clients efficiency, reliability, and professionalism. With us as the investigators, our clients can trust that the parties will be treated equitably and that principles of due process and fundamental fairness will be honored throughout our process. Our experience in education law and litigation also provides us with a keen insight into what is required to ensure that Title IX investigations are conducted properly.
If your school has received a report or complaint of a Title IX violation, we are here to help. We invite you to meet our team and learn why clients choose Dizon & Shedden. Then contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your investigation needs.
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