The attorneys at KJK encourage all students to immediately tell their parents (or another relative) when they are involved in a Title IX or other campus conduct proceeding. Here are the top 10 reasons why:
Reason 1: These proceedings are stressful and may impact a student’s mental health. Parents and relatives can support and respond to a student’s mental health needs by spending time with the student, listening to the student’s concerns, and helping the student seek support from mental health professionals. For those students whose college is in a different city, we have recommended that parents fly to visit their student to help stabilize the situation. Parents have a calming effect.
Reason 2: It is only a matter of time before a student’s parents find out that they are involved in a Title IX or other campus conduct proceeding. It is always best if they hear about these matters from the student first. Parents care about their students and can only offer support and guidance if they know about the issue.
Reason 3: There is a lot at stake when a student is involved in a Title IX or campus conduct proceeding, including the possibility of grades slipping, having to unexpectedly transfer to another college or university, or being subject to a sanction such as suspension or expulsion. Parents can assist with academic planning, the transfer process, and/or obtaining an advisor to support the student through the process.
Reason 4: Advisors provide vital support for students throughout the process, including ensuring students understand the policies and procedures. Parents can help students identify the advisor best suited for their case and provide the financial assistance necessary to hire an advisor.
Reason 5: Sometimes, in addition to a Title IX or other campus conduct proceeding, there is a parallel process where a student faces potential criminal charges or a civil lawsuit. Parents can help students retain an attorney and identify possible resources to address these matters, such as a homeowner or other insurance policy.
Reason 6: International students sanctioned as the result of a disciplinary process risks the termination or revocation of their student visa and may face deportation. Parents can help students retain an immigration attorney to advise on these matters.
Reason 7: Student athletes involved in a Title IX or other campus conduct proceeding may face ineligibility and the loss of academic or athletic scholarships if they are sanctioned. Parents can help the student obtain an experienced advisor to help navigate the process and work to preserve scholarships and eligibility.
Reason 8: Student members of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) can be disenrolled if found responsible for misconduct in a Title IX or other campus conduct proceeding. A disenrolled ROTC student faces the possibility of having to repay money received from the federal government for scholarships or other benefits. An ROTC student’s parents can help identify an advisor or attorney that has experience with disenrollment proceedings to assist the student.
Reason 9: Students involved in a Title IX or other campus conduct proceeding will often find themselves subjected to reputational harm, most often online via social media. This can result in the student being doxed and might involve the release of their personal information online. Parents can provide emotional support to students during these times and can help them mitigate the harm by engaging an attorney to employ the tactics necessary to remedy the harm.
Reason 10: Finally, a Title IX or other campus conduct proceeding can change the entire trajectory of a student’s life. Students may need to take a leave of absence from their college or university, change their course of study, or consider other options for their future. Parents can be a source of support and help students discuss options, set goals, and plan for re-entry.
Facing a Title IX Proceeding?
If you are a student facing a Title IX or other campus conduct proceeding, tell your parents immediately. Give your parents the chance to support you through the process in any way possible.
