Safe campuses: Students deserve it. Parents demand it. Institutions want it. Title IX requires it. We conduct prompt, thorough and impartial investigations that meet Title IX requirements. We can help.
Of course, educational institutions want to meet those demands. It’s the right thing to do. And, students who feel safe are better learners. So, if a student feels unsafe due to harassment, discrimination or sexual violence, the school must respond in a prompt and equitable way to resolve the problem.
Title IX investigations provide educational administrators with an effective tool to make informed decisions about student complaints. Effective and equitable investigations also provide students with a safe forum to report sensitive issues. And a solid investigation will lead to an effective resolution so everyone can get back to focusing on education.
Many years of wrestling with resolving sexual assault complaints have led most commentators to believe that the investigative model is the most effective and appropriate tool to best resolve Title IX matters.
How can we help?
Van Dermyden Maddux Law Corporation specializes in prompt, thorough and impartial investigations. In the Title IX environment, we bring that and more.
We can help investigate matters involving:
We are keenly aware of the challenges facing educational institutions today. In response to extensive media coverage and legislative attention, Title IX policies and procedures are being challenged… and questioned… and revised.
We are your resource to handle these matters — all while following current laws and guidelines from Title IX, the Office for Civil Rights, VAWA, SaVE and the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault.
We operate with the following principles:
We work with the Title IX coordinator to communicate what to expect during an investigation, and we keep the parties apprised of the status of the investigation. We follow campus policies and procedures, and best practices locally and nationally. We respect victim protections, respondents’ rights and student conduct codes. We navigate the difficult balance of the possible traumatic experience of the complainant, as well as the reality of being accused. We also have experience with investigations that lead to misconduct proceedings. If a complaint involves criminal allegations, we have experience working concurrently with law enforcement.
We collaborate with and have access to experts in the areas of forensic psychology to advise on special issues related to rape, trauma and sexual assault. We understand how to preserve and use forensic evidence as appropriate.
Learn more about Title IX Training for Employees Responsible for Compliance and Investigation.
We collaborate with and have access to experts in the areas of forensic psychology to advise on special issues related to rape, trauma, and sexual assault. We understand how to preserve and use forensic evidence as appropriate.
How do we get it right?
Experience.
A Stellar Team.
Hard work.
Investigative Training.
Involvement.
Our Firm is well-poised to help you navigate the difficult world of Title IX complaints. We use proven investigative techniques to gather detailed facts, analyze relevant data, and provide sound, reasoned conclusions. The Firm’s investigative reports are comprehensive and complete the good faith investigative process. We will inform you whether or not the conduct occurred so the institution can determine what actions to take to end the misconduct and prevent its recurrence. In the end, we provide the decision-maker with a tool to make the hard decisions.
So, whether you have a straightforward sexual harassment claim, or a complex, highly publicized sexual assault matter, we can help. Throughout California, we want to help you address complaints, solve problems and promote a sense of safety on your campuses so your students can learn.