College and University Student Title IX Defense

For college and university students facing the weight of a Title IX investigation or disciplinary proceeding, the experience will be overwhelming, confusing, and fraught with lasting consequences. In fact, many a student has described accusations of sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, or any conduct implicating affirmative consent as debilitating and emotionally crushing. It was lost on none of these students or their parents that these allegations, whether exaggerated, completely false, or painfully honest, can, and often did when they proceeded without the right Title IX advisor,  jeopardize their  academic standing good name they took a life to build, future career they had yet to realize and embrace, and even their legal record. When such a life-altering matter arises, having an experienced top-rated Title IX advisor like Jeremy Saland of Saland Law can make all the difference.

Founded and led by Jeremy Saland, a criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office under Robert Morgenthau, Saland Law offers rigorous, informed, and compassionate representation to both respondents and complainants as their advisor in Title IX matters. Although based in New York City, because of the virtual management of the overwhelming majority of Title IX investigations and proceedings from the initial meeting with the Title IX coordinator and interviews with Title IX investigators to the fact finding hearing itself, Saland Law seamlessly represents college and university students across the country. With a deep understanding of Title IX statutes, campus disciplinary policies, and the stakes involved, Jeremy Saland and his firm bring unmatched insight to the defense of students caught in these highly sensitive and deeply consequential cases along with a keen sense of justice for his clients.

How Title IX Applies to College Students

In the context of higher education, Title IX applies to nearly every aspect of a student’s experience: classrooms, dormitories, extracurricular activities, social life and digital communications. When a student is accused of sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, or any behavior that may violate Title IX, the university or college will typically launch an investigation through its Title IX office or student conduct department. This process can run parallel to, but is separate from, any criminal proceedings.

The university’s obligations are strict. Once an allegation is reported, the institution must respond quickly. Accused students, referred to as respondents, are often placed on interim suspension, removed from housing, or barred from classes, even before a hearing occurs. These immediate sanctions underscore how seriously schools treat these claims, but also how easily an accusation can disrupt a student’s education when it can seem like the presumption of guilt, not innocence, rules the day.

Defending Against Title IX Allegations

Early Involvement Is Critical

One of the most important decisions a respondent can make after being notified of a Title IX investigation is to retain experienced counsel immediately. No, not in a few weeks or after the student meets with an investigator, but within days of the proverbial “day one”. Why? The early stages of a Title IX case are critical. Not only is identifying and preserving evidence in all its forms the bedrock of any defense, just as losing this evidence is a recipe for disaster, what a student says (or doesn’t say) in an initial interview can affect the entire outcome. Too often, students attempt to handle matters alone, assuming their innocence will speak for itself or that the school will be fair and impartial. Unfortunately, this is routinely not the case and an inadvertent misstep or misstatement can cause irreparable harm

Jeremy Saland assists students from the moment they receive notice of an investigation, and, when a student sees the writing on the wall, even before the formal commencement of the Title IX process. He helps prepare a clear, thorough response to the allegations, ensuring the student does not inadvertently admit to conduct that could be misinterpreted or mischaracterized. He also works to identify favorable witnesses, lock in or mitigate those witnesses that are adverse to the case, secure critical documents, texts, DMs, and social media content, and counterbalance institutional biases.

Navigating Affirmative Consent and Sexual Misconduct Claims

To say that many Title IX cases revolve around the issue of consent is an understatement. Under affirmative consent standards, used by colleges and universities, silence or lack of resistance does not constitute consent. Instead, each party must affirmatively communicate their willingness to engage in sexual activity throughout the encounter. This standard can be vague and is frequently the crux of disputes involving sexual contact between students who had prior relationships, were intoxicated, or had differing recollections of the same event.

Jeremy Saland approaches such cases with meticulous attention to detail. He challenges assumptions made by investigators, scrutinizes how consent was defined and interpreted, and brings forward counter-evidence and context that can tip the balance in the respondent’s favor. Because the factual record often depends heavily on credibility and narrative, crafting a compelling and factually supported defense is essential.

Special Considerations for Student Athletes

Student athletes accused of Title IX violations face not only academic and disciplinary repercussions, but also the potential collapse of their athletic careers. A finding of responsibility may lead to suspension from the team, loss of scholarships, public censure, or disqualification from NCAA eligibility. Even before a final decision is rendered, schools often bench accused athletes to avoid public backlash, media scrutiny, or reputational damage to the athletic program. All of this ignores the possibility of being removed from campus, dorms, and practice before there is a finding one way or another.

At Saland Law, Jeremy Saland is highly attuned to these realities. He works with student athletes and their families to develop a strategy that protects both the student’s immediate participation in athletics and their long-term professional aspirations whether on the field or in an office. Whether the athlete is part of a Division I program or a Division III  roster, preserving eligibility and mitigating harm is always a priority. He understands the high-profile nature of these cases and provides discreet, strategic advocacy designed to balance due process rights with the athlete’s future in mind.

Protecting Academic and Professional Futures

Title IX findings can have lifelong implications. Beyond suspension or expulsion, a student found responsible for sexual misconduct or dating violence may face disclosure requirements when applying to graduate school, law school, or medical programs. Certain professions, including law, medicine, teaching, and finance, require background checks or character assessments where Title IX sanctions may be considered.

Additionally, some schools note Title IX disciplinary actions on transcripts, which may hinder a student’s ability to transfer or re-enroll elsewhere. For students holding F-1 visas, a suspension or expulsion may also affect immigration status. These cascading effects reinforce why a rigorous defense is not merely about avoiding immediate punishment, but about safeguarding the student’s future.

Jeremy Saland works closely with students to identify academic and professional risks and takes steps to limit those impacts. Whether it involves negotiating transcript language, appealing adverse findings, or preparing statements for licensing boards, Saland Law remains a dedicated advocate long after the hearing concludes.

Appeals and Post-Hearing Remedies

A finding of responsibility in a Title IX proceeding is not always the end of the matter even if it feels like the entire world has come crashing down. While universities allow for an appeal, the grounds are limited to procedural errors, newly discovered evidence, or a claim that the sanction was excessively harsh. The appellate process is fast-moving, typically with deadlines of just five to ten days. Keep in mind, the appeal is reviewed by an administrator or faculty member of the college or university. Yes, this means the school’s fox is guarding your henhouse and their loyalty is not necessarily to justice and the rule of law.

Saland Law handles appeals with the same diligence and commitment as the underlying case. Jeremy Saland carefully reviews the hearing record, highlights inconsistencies or due process failures, and prepares persuasive written submissions aimed at reversing or modifying the outcome. Where appropriate, he also assists students in pursuing legal remedies outside the university, including complaints to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights or civil litigation.

Why Choose Saland Law

There are many attorneys who offer representation in Title IX cases, but few bring the level of courtroom experience, legal precision, and institutional knowledge in the realm of Title IX that Jeremy Saland provides. As a former Manhattan prosecutor, he knows how to build and dismantle cases. As a defense attorney and advisor in countless Title IX proceedings, he understands the nuances of campus procedures and the real-world consequences at stake.

His dual perspective, representing both respondents and complainants, makes him a well-rounded and formidable advocate. He does not approach these cases with blind allegiance or a one-size-fits-all strategy. Every case is deeply personal, fact-driven, and sensitive. Saland Law takes the time to listen, to strategize, and to fight for what’s right. Jeremy will be both your sword and your shield.

Contact Saland Law Today

If you or your child is facing a Title IX investigation at a college or university, do not wait to get help unless you are willing to live with the indelible scarlet letter of regret. An early, well-planned response can shape the course of the entire process, and taking charge of a case from the outset can make a difference between success and failure. Saland Law is here to help guide you through all of it with skill, discretion, and unwavering commitment.

Call today to speak confidentially with Jeremy Saland and begin building a defense that protects your future. Whether you are a student-athlete, a fraternity brother, an international student, or someone simply trying to finish your education with dignity and peace of mind, Jeremy is the advisor you need, and a partner and advocate ready to fight for you.