In early 2019, Attorneys Wood & Jellison represented a student at a local college who was accused of Title IX violations. After an extensive investigation of thousands of pages of evidence, and a multi-week investigation by the Title IX investigator, Attorneys Wood and Jellison helped their client prove to the Title IX investigator that the complainant had not been truthful in describing the events. Moreover, Attorneys Wood and Jellison helped their client convince the head of the Title IX office not to expel him. Instead, she allowed the client to finish the semester, and provided a path to allow him to graduate.
Melissa Ramos and Caroline Alpert Join Wood & Nathanson
We are excited to announce that Attorney Melissa Ramos and Attorney Caroline Alpert have joined Wood & Nathanson, LLP. They bring a diverse set of skills to the firm, allowing us to advocate for and protect our clients in multiple areas. Attorney Ramos practices in criminal courts, handling both trial matters and appeals, as well as university discipline (Title IX) proceedings. Attorney Alpert is an experienced advocate for juveniles and youthful offenders in trial and appellate courts as well as school disciplinary proceedings. We cannot wait to see what we can accomplish together!
A Busy Few Months
Title IX Proceedings Avoided
In February 2019, thanks to Attorney Wood's quick intervention, a Boston area university agreed to lift a temporary suspension and not to initiate Title IX proceedings against his client, a college senior in the U.S. on a student visa who had been charged with a misdemeanor in a local court. This decision allows the client to graduate on time.
Botched Title IX Case Leads to Yale Settlement
We read with interest about this case from Connecticut in which Yale was forced to settle a claim that it wrongfully expelled a student who was the subject of a false sexual assault claim. The case involved personal vendettas, student group politics, and and an unfair disciplinary process. Even when well-intentioned, these hearings can quickly go off the rails. If you are the subject of a Title IX complaint, you need counsel!
Title IX Sexual Assault Investigation Policy Changes
Recent Department of Education policy changes under Title IX require that students accused of sexual misconduct be informed of the allegations in writing. They also allow for a higher standard of proof such as clear and convincing evidence, do not require that investigations be completed in 60 days, and allow for mediation. While all of these changes might seem obvious and non-controversial to those familiar with basic notions of due process in the American criminal justice system, they are important steps forward in the evolution of disciplinary procedures designed to adjudicate sexual assault allegations fairly and reliably on college campuses.