Gainesville Title IX Lawyer

Gainesville Title IX Attorney

If you are a student at a government-funded school or institution, you deserve to be protected against discrimination and harassment. While many think of the rights of athletes when discussing Title IX, the law helps victims fight against all forms of sex discrimination as well as stalking, and even domestic violence. If you are experiencing discrimination in your educational program, it may be time to hire a Gainesville Title IX lawyer.

Nellie L. King is a compassionate and accomplished lawyer with years of experience defending clients from all walks of life. She combines zealous defense with empathy to build a winning strategy that gets results. Being discriminated against at a place that should protect your interests can be overwhelming and disheartening, but you do not have to fight your case alone.

What Is Title IX?

Title IX is an amendment under the Education Amendments of 1972, which protects secondary, post-secondary, and college-level students against discrimination based on their sex or gender. The Education Department’s Office of Civil Rights enforces this amendment.

Your Rights Under Title IX

The main right under Title IX is that all students are free from discrimination based on their sex or gender. This can apply to discrimination against student athletes, in the application process, in the classroom, or in a variety of other educational activities.

The law also protects against sexual harassment and assault at government-funded educational institutions. Sexual harassment involves unwanted sexual advances or remarks from the opposite or same sex.

It is important to note that Title IX laws and protection only apply to government institutions.

Exceptions to this rule include:

• Institutions that are under the control of religious organizations
• Educational institutions with the sole purpose of training people for the military
• Public institutions with a history of admitting one sex
• Certain sororities or fraternities
• Sex-specific conferences, such as the Boys & Girls Club of America
• Scholarship awards for beauty pageants
• Father-daughter or mother-son dances at public institutions

When Your Rights Are Violated

If you suspect or can prove you have been discriminated against based on your gender or sex at a government-funded educational institution, you have rights. You should not have to be subjected to discrimination when you are only trying to receive an education or participate in sports or activities. You are entitled to file a claim against the institution that allowed the discrimination to occur.

If you report sex discrimination to your school’s Title IX compliance office, you have the right to an advisor, the right to continue your education safely, and the right to fight against retaliation.

The process for making a claim is as follows:

• Report the situation to your school’s Title IX Compliance Office: For the University of Florida, this is the Title IX Compliance Office, and for school-aged plaintiffs, the Alachua County Public Schools has its own compliance office that handles these claims. The process for each institution is unique but generally involves a review, an intake meeting, an initial resolution, a hearing, an investigation, an appeal, and a closing.
• Report the situation to law enforcement: For serious claims that are not resolved by your school’s compliance office, you should contact the Gainesville Police Department. You can also report to both the school and the police department at the same time.
• Contact a lawyer: It is important to contact a lawyer to defend your rights. Sometimes, sex discrimination cases at schools can be swept under the rug without legal defense. Do not let this happen to you.

Damages for Title IX Claims

Currently, there are about 165 pending sex discrimination cases in Florida for elementary, post-secondary, and secondary schools. This includes the well-known sex discrimination case against University of Florida Men’s Basketball Coach Todd Golden, who was accused of sexual harassment and stalking. His case was dismissed; however, his assistant coach, Taurean Green, is facing Title IX allegations of sexual assault.

Although the cases are still being investigated, if the claims made against them are successful, they could potentially lose their jobs or receive other serious consequences.

If you are successful in making a Title IX claim, you could potentially recover the following damages:

• Damages for pain and suffering
• Medical expenses if your sexual assault led your hospitalization
• Punitive damages
• Injunctive relief
• Attorney fees

At the Law Offices of Nellie L. King, we can fight ardently to ensure you recover the damages you deserve.

FAQs

How Much Does a Title IX Lawyer Cost?

The cost of a Title IX lawyer varies depending on the case. If your case is particularly complex, meaning there was not only sex discrimination but also sexual assault, the process for making a claim could take longer. Your lawyer’s skill and experience also play a part in costs. More experienced lawyers can justify charging higher rates.

How Serious Is a Title IX Investigation?

A Title IX investigation is very serious. Title IX is a federal law, which means the court process is at the federal level. In Florida, a violation of Title IX in Florida may also prompt state-level investigations and sanctions. Moreover, records are made public and can significantly impact the institution in terms of recovering damages and its reputation. Title IX violation penalties can include substantial fines, loss of federal funding, and mandated policy reforms. These investigations involve several participants who must be thorough in ensuring there were rights violations.

How Do You Beat a Title IX Case?

You can beat a Title IX case by having clear evidence against the accused of sex discrimination, harassment, sexual assault, or domestic violence. Evidence could be physical, in the form of correspondence, or from eyewitnesses. You should also consult with a lawyer in Gainesville, who can help you properly follow the steps for making your complaint.

Are Attorney’s Fees Available Under Title IX?

Yes, the prevailing party of a Title IX case can recover attorney fees for their representation. There may be a cap for attorney fee reimbursement, but you should discuss this with your lawyer. Because attorneys spend a considerable amount of time defending their clients in Title IX cases, they may be reimbursed as a part of the process.

Passionate Representation for Your Legal Needs

At the Law Offices of Nellie L. King, we are ardent defenders of your legal rights. Whether your case involves employment law or you need legal defense, we have the skill and experience to see your case through. Contact us today for a consultation.