University of Detroit Mercy Title IX Policy

The University of Detroit Mercy is a private Catholic institution and is the largest Catholic college in the state. Although it is private, the University of Detroit Mercy nonetheless adopted and enforces a Title IX policy, which generally only binds federally funded schools. Under the University of Detroit Mercy Title IX Policy, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other sexual misdeeds are prohibited, and students that violate the Policy may be expelled or face other serious repercussions. As such, it is vital for anyone accused of violating the school’s Title IX Policy to speak to a lawyer about their rights. Sam Bernstein of ArborYpsi Law is a skillful Ann Arbor criminal defense attorney with ample experience handling Title IX proceedings, and if you are faced with allegations that you engaged in sexual misconduct, he can inform you of your options for seeking a just result.

Title IX, which is the term often used to refer to the federal civil rights law, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX was enacted to protect people from sex-based discrimination in the activities and educational programs at federally funded institutions. Although the University of Detroit Mercy is a private institution, it abides by all federal civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination in institutions of higher learning. As such, it created and implemented a Title IX policy. Under the Policy sexual violence, sexual harassment, and all other sexual misconduct are strictly prohibited.

The University of Detroit Mercy Title IX policy does not impose a time limitation as to when a complainant must report a violation but does caution that its ability to investigate and respond to any complaint may be limited if a significant amount of time has passed since the act happened. If a complainant reports a violation or makes a formal complaint to the Title IX coordinator, the coordinator will conduct a prompt assessment to determine whether to implement a formal or informal resolution process or offer supportive measures because the complainant does not wish to file a formal complaint. If, after the initial assessment, it is determined that the acts complained of do not violate the Title IX policy, the complaint must be dismissed.

If the Title IX coordinator proceeds with a formal resolution, it will provide the respondent with a meaningful summary of the allegations, the investigation procedure, and their rights. Among other things, respondents have a right to have an advisor present during all meetings and proceedings. They can choose any eligible and available party to act as their advisor, including an attorney. The Title IX coordinator will then designate an investigator to conduct an investigation of the allegations and any relevant evidence.

After the investigation is complete, the parties will receive a report summarizing the evidence and will have an opportunity to respond to the evidence, which includes offering any additional relevant evidence. The Title IX coordinator will then select a hearing officer to conduct a hearing, during which the officer will receive evidence and testimony from the parties. After the hearing, the officer will deliver a written deliberation statement; the Title IX Coordinator will then issue a final determination based on that statement.

While Title IX proceedings do not have criminal consequences, they nonetheless carry significant weight and, therefore, should be taken seriously. If someone accused you of committing acts that violate the University of Detroit Mercy Title IX policy, it is in your best interest to meet with an attorney to evaluate what defenses you may be able to assert. Sam Bernstein of ArborYpsi Law is an experienced Ann Arbor criminal defense lawyer who takes pride in helping people accused of Title IX policy violations protect their interests, and if he represents you, he will work diligently to help you seek a good outcome. Our office is located in Ann Arbor, and we routinely represent parties in Title IX investigations and proceedings and criminal cases throughout Michigan, including cities in Ann Arbor, East Lansing, Dearborn, and Flint. You can contact us through our online form or by calling us at (734) 883-9584 to set up a confidential and free meeting.