Central Michigan University Title IX Policy

Central Michigan University is one of Michigan’s eight research colleges, offering over 200 academic programs at the undergraduate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral levels to over 15,000 students. Central Michigan University began in 1892 as a private institution but soon became a public university. Like many public colleges, Central Michigan University receives funding from the federal government. To obtain such funding, the University must adopt and enforce a Title IX policy that, in part, prohibits sexual misconduct. Students accused of engaging in behavior that violates the Central Michigan University Title IX Policy may be the subject of an investigation and hearing, but they have rights, including the right to have an attorney present during proceedings. If you go to Central Michigan University and another party accused you of sexual assault or harassment in violation of Title IX, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Sam Bernstein of ArborYpsi Law is an assertive Ann Arbor criminal defense lawyer who has ample experience helping students defend their reputations in Title IX investigations, and if he represents you, he will work tirelessly to help you seek a good outcome.

Title IX is a federal civil rights law that bars sex-based discrimination at any educational institution that receives federal funds. As a federally funded school, Central Michigan University must designate a Title IX coordinator and implement a Title IX policy. Among other things, Central Michigan University’s Title IX policy prohibits sexual harassment, which includes sexual assault, stalking, intimate partner violence, retaliation for filing a Title IX complaint, and sexual misconduct of any kind. Central Michigan University investigates and is committed to resolving all Title IX complaints promptly and impartially.

Per the policy, Central Michigan University approaches the Title IX process from a neutral standpoint. Alleged Title IX violations must be reported to the Title IX Coordinator; while reports are presumed to be credible, the respondent or person accused of sexual conduct is presumed not responsible. In other words, they are presumed not to have engaged in the alleged behavior until proven otherwise.

Complainants have the option of requestion that no formal action or investigation occur. If they file a formal complaint, however, the Title IX coordinator will proceed with the grievance process. First, the Title IX coordinator must provide the respondent with a written notice stating the nature of the allegations, including sufficient details for them to submit a response, as well as other information.

The respondent has the right to have an advisor present during Title IX proceedings. While they do not have to be represented by counsel, they have the right to choose an attorney as their advisor, and in most cases, it is smart for them to do so to prevent them from unwittingly waiving important rights.

Upon the conclusion of the Title IX investigation, all parties will receive a draft investigative report, after which they will have ten days to respond and submit evidence. The Central Michigan University Office of Civil Rights and Institutional Equity (OCRIE) will consider any additional evidence submitted and issue a final investigative report. It will then conduct a hearing during which parties and witnesses may be cross-examined. The hearing officer will make a determination of responsibility and will issue a written determination.

Central Michigan University determines responsibility for alleged violations of its Title IX Policy using the preponderance of the evidence standard, which means that the party making the decision must determine that it is more likely than not that the alleged behavior occurred in order for the respondent to be deemed responsible. When Central Michigan University evaluates responsibility for sexual misconduct, it considers the existence or lack of consent, force, and coercion.

People accused of sexual assault at Central Michigan University may worry that their reputation and academic career will suffer permanent harm, but with the assistance of an experienced attorney, they can often obtain favorable outcomes. If you attend Central Michigan University and were accused of sexual harassment in violation of Title IX, it is smart to talk to an attorney about your options. Sam Bernstein of ArborYpsi Law is an experienced Ann Arbor criminal defense lawyer with the skills and knowledge needed to help you seek a just result, and if you hire him, he will set forth compelling arguments on your behalf. We have an office in Ann Arbor, and we regularly assist parties accused of sexual misconduct in Title IX proceedings throughout Michigan, including cities in Ann Arbor, East Lansing, Dearborn, and Flint. You can contact us via our form online or by calling us at (734) 883-9584 to set up a confidential and free conference.