Title IX in Wisconsin

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Students attending college in Wisconsin are often living away from home for the first time in their lives. The campuses that are part of the University of Wisconsin system serve over 164,000 students, and approximately half of the undergraduate population lives on campus. A significant percentage of those students come from out-of-state, drawn by the excellent reputation of Wisconsin institutions both academically and for student life experiences.

Campus living situations at both large and small institutions create dynamics that often place students in situations that they are not always prepared to handle. Expectations tend to clash, and miscommunication frequently leads to misunderstandings. This causes problems in relationships. One partner may believe that they are engaging in mutually agreed upon sexual conduct while the other partner believes they have not consented and have been subjected to assault. Actions can also be interpreted as stalking or disagreements can lead to allegations of intimate partner violence.

Allegations of Wrongdoing

When one student believes that someone on campus has committed an act of sexual violence or sexual harassment, that student can file a Title IX complaint to seek justice and hold the alleged perpetrator accountable. Those accused of Title IX violations have the right to defend themselves, but this can be extremely challenging without the correct knowledge and experience.

The legal team at Nesenoff & Miltenberg works to protect the rights of students in these difficult situations. Whether representing a student responding to accusations of a violation or a student filing a complaint to obtain justice, we know how important it is for a student to be respected and that their version of events should receive full consideration. The impact on the future can be tremendous for both complainants and respondents, and we fight to safeguard the wellbeing of our clients using over three decades of experience as students rights attorneys and Title IX advocates.

Protecting Rights on Campuses in Wisconsin

With campuses in Madison, Oshkosh, Milwaukee, La Crosse, Eau Claire, Green Bay, Whitewater, Platteville, Stevens Point, River Falls, Stout, Parkside, and Superior, the University of Wisconsin system is mammoth, yet it consistently maintains a reputation for quality that draws students from all over.

While many of these campuses have a suburban feel, several of the best-known colleges and universities in Wisconsin are centered in the more densely urban areas of Milwaukee, which is closely linked to the Chicago metropolitan area. The Milwaukee campuses of Marquette University, the Milwaukee School of Engineering, Mount Mary University, Alverno College, and the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design all feature a social environment that is more connected to the region’s surrounding population.

Elsewhere throughout the state, students at private institutions such as Concordia University, Edgewood University, St. Norbert College, Lawrence University, Beloit College, Carroll University, Carthage College, Viterbo University, and Lakeland University live and study in environments that are often more insular. Students in tight-knit communities often face harsh criticism for filing Title IX complaints, and those accused of violations may be judged unfairly long before an investigation is concluded. Meanwhile, students at larger campuses often feel that their concerns are being ignored by administrators. Our team works to support students and secure the best outcome in all situations.

The Future is at Stake

Students found responsible for a Title IX violation can be expelled or suspended. They risk losing scholarships and the right to participate in student life, such as living on campus, playing on sports teams, and participating in other student activities. They may not be admitted to graduate programs or even have the opportunity to finish their undergraduate education.

But the consequences can be even worse in the long term for both respondents and complainants.

When a student’s case is not appropriately managed by the school, or the student’s side of the story is not given fair consideration, a student’s reputation and self-esteem can suffer damage that is nearly impossible to restore. Allegations can haunt a student for years, affecting job applications, volunteer work, and even dating. The ugly labels can become so pervasive that students feel trapped and hopeless.

That is why we fight so hard for the students we represent. We work to secure future opportunities and protect reputations. While it is best to start strategic planning, evidence preservation, and effective advocacy as early as possible, our team can also appeal the outcome of a campus proceeding that has concluded or is still in progress. We have decades of experience advocating for students on campuses of all sizes, and we also have a track record of success appealing outcomes in federal court.

Title IX Proceedings Move at a Rapid Pace

While the accusations underlying a Title IX complaint often overlap with criminal offenses such as rape and sexual assault, a Title IX proceeding is handled very differently from a criminal case. The investigation moves much more quickly.

Whether pursuing a complaint or responding to allegations, the students involved often have very little time to investigate and gather evidence to support their case, and they may not understand how to present evidence and arguments effectively in adjudication. While students are often offered an on-campus advisor, that advisor works for the school, not the student. Their background and experience may not prepare them to help a student protect their rights, and the advisor’s ultimate aim is often to protect the school rather than the student.

Working with an experienced Title IX lawyer as early as possible is often the most effective way to protect a student during the proceedings and to minimize negative consequences. At Nesenoff & Miltenberg, we help students become effective advocates prepared to support their position and reputation going forward.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation to Learn How We Can Help

Evidence uncovered during a Title IX investigation on campus can be shared with law enforcement authorities and later used to prosecute or defend a case years later. It is important to act quickly to secure evidence and build the best case now to preserve current opportunities and future prospects for students involved in a Title IX case in Wisconsin.

We invite you to schedule a confidential consultation with our team to learn more about the assistance we can provide on- and off-campus. To learn more about your rights and discuss your options going forward, call Nesenoff & Miltenberg at 212-736-4500 or contact us online.