Students encounter numerous challenges in their academic life. However, dealing with a Title IX or any other campus misconduct allegation can be an unparalleled challenge. Such allegations can be mentally and physically draining, leading to overwhelming feelings at every stage of the process.
If you are undergoing a Title IX misconduct investigation, here are some tips to keep in mind.
1. Remain Calm
One of the biggest mistakes you can make while facing a Title IX investigation is to panic. Take a deep breath and understand that you have some rights. No one can force or pressure you into doing something you are not comfortable with.
According to federal law, every school must allow you to have an advisor. It is best to avoid discussing the event or meeting with school officials until you have an advisor, even if they have requested your presence.
If you go to the meetings without your legal advisors, your school may try to hear your side and use this information against you. You must tell them that you want to talk to your parents and get an advisor before answering any questions.
2. Keep it Private
Once you make it clear to the school representatives that you will not be answering any questions, they will likely head to your social media channels. From Instagram to Pinterest, and Facebook, they will look everywhere for information to use against you.
Instead of giving your school a chance to use your own profile against you, it is better to make your accounts private. Remember, that does not mean that you should delete anything. Instead, just make it inaccessible to irrelevant parties.
From text messages to emails, and social media posts, keep everything safe to share it with your Title IX attorneys later.
3. Look at Other Social Media Profiles
As you protect your information from the gatherers, you must also look into ways to preserve other people’s information from their social media accounts. The information you gather may be able to help your case down the lane.
Whether it is a video of a party you were attending or their location tagged on a post, gather all the necessary information that may help you support your claim. You must do it as soon as possible so that the other party does not delete evidence or make their profile private.
4. Comply with the No-Contact Order
After being accused, the school is likely to impose a no-contact order between you and the accuser. This means that you and the accuser will not be allowed to talk or be seen together. You must comply with this order at every cost.
But remember, a no-contact order is not limited to the accuser. You must make sure not to talk to any mutual friends or participate in any public performances during this time.
Yes, following a no-contact order can feel very frustrating and unjust but schools take it very seriously. Even if you are confident that you are not guilty, minding this boundary can do wonders for your case.
5. Maintain Transparency with Your Lawyer
Facing Title IX or any other campus misconduct allegation can make you feel paranoid and scared. You may feel skeptical of everyone asking you questions or trying to offer you support.
No matter how close you are to your best friend or how long you have known them, it is best not to talk to them about what happened. Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong very quickly. You do not have to be transparent with anyone except for your Title IX lawyer.
When you are with your lawyer, you can speak your mind without fear of judgment. Your lawyer will be supportive during discussions and will help you open up, even if you need breaks.
Make sure not to overlook any small details, as they could make a big difference. Sharing everything with your lawyer will also lighten your heart and make you feel prepared for the steps ahead.
6. Stay Vigilant Around School Officials
School officials can seem very compassionate and understanding of your situation. For some time, they may even make you believe that they are by your side. However, that is never true. Even if the school officials seem nice, you must not trust them.
School officials, no matter how nice they are, will always have their institution’s best interests in mind. Just because they are acting like your friends does not make them your friends. In fact, they can hurt your case the most.
7. Remain Engaged
With Title IX and other campus misconduct allegations, simply functioning can seem like a challenge for school and college students. These charges can physically and emotionally drain you, but you must not let this situation overpower you.
As a student, you have a lot to keep up with. You must focus on your curriculum and social circle to keep functioning. Remaining engaged will not only help you keep moving forward but also take your mind off the disciplinary actions for some time.
Yes, there may be times when you have to make compromises in your education in order to be actively engaged in your legal case. However, it is important to prioritize addressing any educational setbacks. It is crucial to maintain a balance between your education and legal matters.
8. Get Closer to Your Family
Facing Title IX and other campus misconduct allegations can be mentally and emotionally draining for not only the accused person but their friends and family as well. Many parents agree that having a child face disciplinary charges is the hardest thing they have faced as a family.
In such stressful times, being close to your family and holding your loved ones close can be a bigger support than you may think. In fact, such challenging times often bring families closer and they may even dredge up past life events.
Families stick together during challenging times. It can be difficult to decide how much you want to share with them, but keeping them close can provide the strength to keep moving forward.