Wayne State University Title IX Policy

Wayne State University is a public research institution located in the heart of Detroit. Over 25,000 undergraduate and graduate students attend Wayne State University, making it the third-largest college in the state. Like all institutions that receive federal funding, Wayne State University is subject to Title IX and must establish and adhere to a Title IX policy. Among other things, Title IX bars sexual misconduct. As such, students accused of sexual assault or other inappropriate behavior may be subject to a Title IX investigation and hearing. While Title IX proceedings are not criminal trials, they nonetheless can permanently impair a person’s prospects and reputation, and if you are accused of sexual misconduct at Wayne State University,  it is prudent to speak to an attorney about your options. Sam Bernstein of ArborYpsi Law is a skilled Ann Arbor criminal defense lawyer who can advise you of your rights with regard to the Wayne State University Title IX Policy, and if you hire him, he will advocate zealously on your behalf.

Title IX is a federal statute prohibiting sex-based discrimination in any activities or educational programs of public institutions that receive federal funds. As Wayne State University is a public institution that receives federal funds, it is bound by Title IX. While people often think of Title IX as ensuring gender equality in college sports, its scope is much broader. In other words, any form of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, stalking, sexual harassment, intimate partner violence, and retaliation for filing a Title IX complaint, all constitute sex discrimination barred by Title IX.

Pursuant to its Title IX policy, if a student reports sexual misconduct, Wayne State University will promptly conduct a fair investigation. There is no time limit during which a student must report sexual misconduct. If the alleged perpetrator, referred to as the respondent in Title IX proceedings,  is no longer subject to the school’s jurisdiction or a significant time has passed since the alleged incident, however, the school may no longer be able to investigate or respond to the allegations.

Under Wayne State University’s Title IX policy, respondents have numerous rights during Title IX proceedings. First, they have the right to be notified of the school’s grievance process and the details regarding the allegations against them. They also have the right to have an advisor of their choice during any Title IX proceedings. While the advisor does not have to be an attorney, a respondent should seek legal counsel to protect their rights.

Notably, a respondent in a Title IX proceeding is presumed not responsible for the alleged sexual misconduct and does not have to offer any evidence in their defense. Instead, the burden of gathering evidence and proving what events transpired rests on Wayne State University. The respondent will be allowed to present witnesses and other evidence in their favor, however.

After the University completes its investigation, it will provide the evidence subject to review to all parties and their advisors, who will then have ten days to file a written response. At least ten days prior to a hearing or any other determination regarding responsibility, the University will complete an investigative report summarizing the evidence. The University will then conduct a hearing during which the party’s advisors can question the parties and any witnesses. Following the hearing, the decision maker will issue a written determination regarding the respondent’s responsibility, using the preponderance of the evidence standard.

Allegations of sexual misconduct can alter the trajectory of a student’s future, but merely because a person has been accused of behaving inappropriately does not mean that they have no defenses. If you are a student at Wayne State University and are the subject of a Title IX investigation, it is in your best interest to meet with an attorney to discuss your rights. Sam Bernstein of ArborYpsi Law is a trusted Ann Arbor criminal defense lawyer with ample experience defending people accused of sexual misconduct, and if you retain his services, he will gather the evidence needed to provide you with a strong chance of achieving a good outcome. We have an office in Ann Arbor, and we regularly represent parties accused of crimes and misconduct throughout Michigan, including cities in Ann Arbor, East Lansing, Dearborn, and Flint. You can contact us through our form online or by calling us at (734) 883-9584 to set up a confidential and free meeting.