Overview
Pullman and Comley’s attorneys deliver a well-rounded, holistic approach in assisting institutions that confront issues of sexual and gender-based harassment, discrimination and violence in both student and employment matters. We represent K-12 public and private schools as well as colleges and universities in developing policies under Title IX and other civil rights statutes, in training their staff on all levels of the Title IX grievance process in conducting sensitive investigations into claims of sexual and gender-based harassment and discrimination as an independent investigator, and by serving as the decision-maker and/or appeal decision-maker for Title IX complaints.
Title IX Training and Education
Having properly trained staff is one of the first steps in reducing sexual and gender-based harassment and discrimination at an educational institution. Our attorneys provide Title IX compliant training for staff at all levels of the Title IX grievance process, including, but not limited to Title IX Coordinators, Investigators, Decision-Makers and Appeal Decision-Makers. We also provide general training appropriate for the entire staff on identifying, reporting and interpreting sexual and gender-based harassment and discrimination. Each training can be customized to the specific needs of the educational institution.
Compliance Reviews and Policies
All K-12 school districts, colleges and universities must have compliant and effective policies and procedures in place to address sexual and gender-based harassment and discrimination. Our attorneys are available to conduct compliance reviews to determine whether programs comply with Title IX’s anti-discrimination and anti-harassment mandates. As Title IX regulations and case law evolve, so must a school’s policies. We can assist in developing or updating policies and procedures as needed.
Title IX Investigations
When a school or institute of higher education needs an outside investigator to conduct a sensitive or complicated Title IX or other civil rights investigation, we have ATIXA-certified attorneys who can conduct compliant, trauma-informed investigations in a timely and thorough manner. We also have attorneys who routinely serve as decision-makers for Title IX and other civil rights complaints on behalf of educational institutions.
Title IX Litigation
Our attorneys stand ready to defend school districts, private schools and colleges and universities against Title IX and other civil rights complaints filed with federal and state regulatory agencies including the United States Department of Education Office of Civil Rights, the Connecticut Department of Education and the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. Our attorneys also have significant experience litigating Title IX and other civil rights cases before federal and state courts up through any necessary appeals.
Interim Management Services
Our attorneys can serve in any and all roles in the Title IX process on an interim or temporary basis as needed to fill in for employee vacancies at educational institutions.
