Title IX in Maryland

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Maryland is one of the smallest states in the U.S. and is sometimes overshadowed by the high-profile capital region of Washington, DC, and the neighboring larger states of Virginia and Pennsylvania. However, Maryland’s distinguished heritage has led to the development of outstanding colleges and universities that attract students from throughout the country and abroad.

Johns Hopkins University, considered one of the top institutions in the nation in medicine, engineering, business, and other fields, draws a vibrant mix of students to its historic Baltimore Campus, and the U.S. Naval Academy also garners considerable attention, yet these are just two of many prestigious institutions in the state. The University of Maryland in College Park and UMBC in Baltimore County have developed academic reputations that lead them to be considered among “public Ivy League” colleges. The state boasts some of the most prominent historically black colleges in the nation, including Morgan State University, Bowie State University, Coppin State University, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Private institutions with unique programs such as Goucher College, St. Mary’s College, Loyola University, Maryland Institute College of Art, Stevenson University, and McDaniel College attract students interested in specialized educational opportunities. Students seeking a vibrant social scene and a wide range of choices are attracted to major universities such as Towson State, Salisbury University, Frostburg State University, and the University of Baltimore.

The urban and suburban campuses of Maryland Colleges result in more interactions and interconnections with local communities than those found in colleges in many other states. As a legal team experienced in protecting students across the U.S., we know that the situation on Maryland college campuses can create challenging dynamics that trigger misunderstandings and lead to accusations of Title IX and school code of conduct violations.

How Title IX Affects College Students in Maryland

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits schools from discriminating on the basis of sex. It affects college students in a few different ways:

• The law requires colleges and universities to establish rules about discrimination, including how discrimination is defined and addressed, and plans for educating students about their rights
• Students are given the ability to file a complaint on campus if they believe their rights are violated, either by the school or by an individual
• Students are given the right to have their case heard in court if they believe the school has not handled their case correctly
• Students can be accused of violating the rights of other students and face severe penalties if found responsible.

It is very important for college students in Maryland to understand their rights under Title IX, how to enforce them, and what to do if they are accused of a violation. This is, unfortunately, a complex subject because the scope of Title IX requirements continually changes as new regulations are issued, the Department of Education issues guidance explaining legal obligations, and courts release opinions on these issues. Sometimes, requirements change in line with political priorities. The team at Nesenoff & Miltenberg monitors these changes constantly, at both the national and state levels, so we are always ready to make the most effective arguments to protect our clients’ rights.

Our focus on Title IX allows us to understand the nuances of the law at a level few firms can match. We study how Maryland courts have interpreted Title IX regulations, the rulings of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals that govern interpretations at the regional level, and the specific issues that have been in contention at Maryland schools.

Conduct Covered by Title IX

In the years since Title IX was enacted, the conduct covered by the law has expanded tremendously. The law originated as a means to require schools to provide equal opportunities for women on campus. Much of the focus was on programs and funding for women’s athletics. Even though the rules have been in place for decades, schools still routinely fail to provide adequate support for women’s programs, and our team works with students who want to enforce their rights in this area. But most Title IX cases address entirely different problems.

The discrimination prohibited by Title IX also includes sexual violence, including sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking, and other misconduct. College students enmeshed in relationships that are emotionally and physically intense often find themselves in a position where they want to file a complaint alleging that their rights have been violated or in a situation where they need to respond to a complaint that they have violated someone else’s Title IX rights.

The stakes are extremely high.

The Right Legal Guidance is Crucial in a Title IX Case

Whether you are filing a complaint to enforce your rights or you need to defend against accusations of violating Title IX, you need to ensure that you understand how to protect yourself during the process. You face negative consequences that could affect the rest of your life.

The school will undertake an investigation and then hold a proceeding to assess the veracity of the claims. Often, these occur very quickly, and before students have had time to prepare, the process is over and the decision is rendered. When a student is found responsible for a Title IX violation, the school can impose a variety of penalties, including expulsion and suspension. Even a minor violation will usually result in negative marks on the student’s record, which can make it difficult to continue pursuing educational and career goals. Meanwhile, students who file complaints that aren’t handled properly often suffer social and emotional trauma that haunts them far into the future.

When students work with an experienced Title IX lawyer during the filing or response to a complaint, they gain a knowledgeable ally and counselor who can guide them step by step. An attorney can help investigate to gather, and present evidence to support their position and ensure that the student has the opportunity to present the best arguments and seek the best outcomes available under the circumstances. Having the right legal guidance and advocacy during a Title IX process makes all the difference during and most importantly, after the process is concluded.

Find Out How Nesenoff & Miltenberg Can Protect Your Title IX Rights in Maryland

At Nesenoff & Miltenberg, our Title IX attorneys know that there are two sides to every story, and we work to ensure that your side receives appropriate consideration. We know how to take advantage of opportunities to support your position and how to help you become an effective advocate on your own behalf.

When your future is at stake, it is vital to do all that you can to protect it. To schedule a confidential consultation to discuss a Title IX or campus disciplinary issue with a dedicated student rights attorney, contact us online or call 212-736-4500.