You’ve been accused of sexual misconduct, and the only thing you want is a fair hearing. You can’t imagine how you will get through this Title IX investigation process on top of everything else in your life, but you don’t have a choice.
Title IX sexual harassment investigations are a complicated and sensitive process. Sometimes, even the most well-intentioned people get into trouble. If you or your company is facing this investigation, these tips can help you understand what to expect and what you can do to handle the investigation with minimal disruption to your day-to-day life.
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Remember That You’re Not Alone
Title IX investigations are stressful, but they aren’t the end of the world—and they don’t have to be as scary as they seem. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and powerless, but remember that you have rights and protections under Title IX law, and some people can help you through this process. For instance, you can get a reliable Title IX advisor in California to guide you through the process from experience. The best thing you can do for yourself is to stay informed about your rights and options at every step.
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Know How Long an Investigation Will Take Before It Begins
Suppose you’re involved in a Title IX investigation. In that case, it’s important for everyone involved to know how long it will take before things move forward—including students who may be witnesses or complainants to members of the school board who help make decisions about policies like these (or even other schools).
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Understand the Process
Title IX investigations are a process that is designed to protect your rights and ensure that you get fair treatment. But it’s also designed to help people who have been harmed, which means you may need to talk about some very personal matters for them to determine what happened and what should be done about it. You can expect the investigation to take some time, but don’t let this discourage or frustrate you.
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Find the Right Lawyer
You should always consider hiring a lawyer as soon as possible during an investigation—especially if you’re accused of sexual misconduct (or if someone accuses you of sexual misconduct). A lawyer can help guide you through the process and ensure your rights are protected at every investigation stage.
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Ask questions
If something doesn’t seem right or seems unfair during an investigation, ask questions! Your college must answer any questions you have during this process promptly, so don’t hesitate to ask if something seems amiss or confusing at any point during your time working with them
Conclusion
We know this is a sensitive topic and hope you never have to go through anything like this. If you ever need advice or help, don’t hesitate to reach out to Title IX experts to ease the burden. The journey is bearable and easy to maneuver when you have somebody to walk with you and support you along the process.