Lehigh University Title IX Lawyer-Advisor

Having successfully represented both a respondent and complainant at Lehigh University as an attorney-advisor, Jeremy Saland knows that a sexual misconduct complaint at the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania university can quickly become a complicated Title IX proceeding involving investigators, witness interviews, electronic evidence, and potentially serious disciplinary consequences. For a student accused of sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, harassmentor unwanted sexual contact without affirmative consent, understanding the allegations is only part of the challenge. Warding off a suspension or expulsion is the other. The student must also determine which university procedures apply, what information investigators are collecting, how to prepare for a possible disciplinary hearing, and grasp the immediate and long term consequences before there is a finding of responsibility or not. Students reporting misconduct face their own difficult decisions concerning confidentiality, participation in an investigation, supportive measures, and the presentation of sensitive personal information. Simply, an informed and well prepared approach can, and often does, make the difference between success and failure, along with the collateral consequences of either disposition.

Saland Law provides Title IX advisory services to Lehigh University students involved in sexual misconduct investigations and disciplinary proceedings. Headed by former prosecutor Jeremy Saland, our firm assists both respondents accused of violating university policies and complainants reporting prohibited conduct. We help students prepare for investigative interviews, evaluate witness statements, organize evidence, and understand the procedures governing university determinations and hearings. Although headquartered in New York City, Saland Law provides Title IX advisory services to students nationwide, including those attending Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, where the proceedings are routinely handled online and virtually even though the parties are local.

What Happens When Lehigh University Investigates Sexual Misconduct?

Lehigh University addresses allegations of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct through its Office of Title IX, Title VI, and Equal Opportunity Compliance. The university’s official Title IX website explains reporting options, available resources, institutional policies, and the procedures that may apply when a complaint is submitted. Students can contact the office to report alleged misconduct, discuss university requirements, or obtain information about possible supportive measures.

One important distinction concerns the status of the person accused of misconduct. Lehigh’s published policies explain that complaints involving student respondents are addressed under the university’s Student Code of Conduct and applicable Title IX procedures, while allegations involving faculty or staff may proceed under the Policy on Harassment and Non-Discrimination. This distinction can affect who investigates the complaint, how responsibility is determined, and which disciplinary procedures apply. Students should therefore identify the governing policy before assuming that every university investigation follows the same sequence.

Initial Review by Lehigh’s Equal Opportunity Compliance Office

After the university receives information suggesting a potential policy violation, officials will conduct an initial assessment of the allegations. This stage can involve determining whether the reported conduct falls within university policy, discussing supportive measures, and identifying the available resolution procedures. Depending on the circumstances, the matter may proceed through an eligible informal resolution process or a formal investigation.

A student contacted during this stage should understand whether the university is requesting an informational meeting, an investigative interview, or a response to formal allegations. These interactions serve different purposes and may carry different procedural consequences. Jeremy Saland assists students in reviewing university communications, understanding the allegations, and preparing accurate statements before participating in consequential meetings.

Lehigh’s Investigators, Reports, and Responsibility Determinations

Lehigh’s published guidance describes a general university investigative process involving an Equal Opportunity Compliance Coordinator and a co-investigator. When the respondent is a student, the co-investigator may be a trained member of the Dean of Students staff. Investigators gather information through interviews, witness statements, and documentary evidence before preparing a written report. The university’s general process also describes review by trained university personnel responsible for evaluating whether the evidence establishes a policy violation.

However, these general investigative procedures should not be confused with every requirement governing a qualifying federal Title IX complaint. Covered federal grievance proceedings may require additional procedural safeguards, including a live hearing and advisor-conducted questioning. The applicable process depends on the allegations, the governing university policy, and the relevant federal requirements.

The Importance of Reviewing Investigative Materials

Investigative reports can influence how university decision-makers understand a disputed incident. A report will summarize witness statements, describe communications between the parties, and identify evidence supporting or contradicting allegations of misconduct. Students must pay particular attention to incomplete conversations, factual discrepancies, and statements that may require additional context.

Lehigh’s published student guidance describes opportunities for parties to review witness information and provide comments or identify additional questions during the investigative process. The precise opportunities available in an individual matter depend on the controlling procedures. Saland Law helps complainants and respondents review relevant materials, identify factual concerns, and prepare responses that focus on the evidence rather than speculation.

What Standard Does Lehigh Use to Determine Responsibility?

Lehigh’s published general university process describes the preponderance of the evidence standard, under which a violation is established when the evidence shows that the alleged conduct more likely than not occurred. This standard differs from the burden of proof required for a criminal conviction and is far, far less. A responsibility determination may depend on the credibility of witnesses, the consistency of accounts, and the significance of available documentary or other evidence.

Students should understand that the applicable standard does not eliminate the university’s responsibility to conduct a fair investigation. Allegations must be evaluated under the controlling rules, and both parties should have the opportunities provided by those procedures to identify relevant information. Jeremy Saland’s criminal defense, prosecutorial and student misconduct advisory experience provides a valuable perspective when assessing disputed testimony, drafting statements, presenting evidence and preparing students for university questioning.

Why Lehigh’s University-Owned Fraternity and Sorority Houses Matter

One of Lehigh University’s most distinctive features is its fraternity and sorority housing system. Many chapter houses are located on the Hill along Upper and Lower Sayre Park Roads, overlooking the Asa Packer Campus. Unlike universities where Greek organizations primarily occupy independently operated off-campus properties, Lehigh owns its fraternity and sorority houses and leases them to chapter alumni associations or related organizations. Students living in these facilities also enter into housing agreements with the university.

This arrangement can become particularly important when a sexual misconduct allegation arises inside a fraternity or sorority residence. University housing responsibilities may intersect with individual student disciplinary proceedings, chapter recognition requirements, and organizational conduct concerns. An allegation arising after a social gathering might require university investigators to identify residents, determine who attended the event, and examine communications involving chapter members.

Sexual Assault Allegations Following Greek Life Events

Lehigh’s Greek community includes fraternities such as Chi Phi, Chi Psi, Delta Upsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and Theta Chi. Its sorority community includes organizations such as Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Phi, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Delta, Pi Beta Phi, and Zeta Tau Alpha. These organizations contribute to campus leadership, philanthropy, housing, and social activities.

When allegations arise following a chapter gathering, investigators may review photographs, group messages, guest information, witness accounts, and communications between the individuals involved. Questions may concern whether sexual contact was consensual, whether alcohol affected a person’s capacity to consent affirmatively, or what others observed before or after the alleged incident. The university may also examine whether separate housing or organizational requirements were violated.

Membership in a fraternity or sorority does not establish individual responsibility for misconduct. Likewise, participation in a social gathering does not diminish a person’s ability to report sexual assault. Saland Law helps students distinguish the individual allegations from separate organizational issues while preparing for the procedures applicable to their circumstances.

Title IX Jurisdiction and Conduct in University Housing

Because Lehigh owns its residential fraternity and sorority facilities, an allegation arising in a chapter house may present a different institutional connection from one involving an independently operated private residence. That distinction can be relevant when university officials evaluate whether reported conduct occurred within an educational program or activity. However, the location of an incident does not automatically determine which Title IX procedures apply.

Federal Title IX requirements include jurisdictional rules concerning covered educational programs and activities. Lehigh may also address additional misconduct under its Student Code of Conduct or other applicable policies. The nature of the event, the university’s connection to the location, and the allegations themselves may all be relevant.

Our firm helps students understand these distinctions and evaluate whether the university is following the appropriate procedures. This is particularly important when a complaint concerns an off-campus apartment in South Bethlehem, a university residence hall, or a chapter house subject to university housing rules.

Evaluating Sexual Assault, Affirmative Consent, and Relationship Allegations

University sexual misconduct investigations frequently involve disagreement about the meaning of an encounter or the conduct occurring during a relationship. Allegations may include sexual assault, nonconsensual sexual contact, coercion, dating violence, stalking, or repeated unwanted communications. Investigators must evaluate the specific conduct alleged rather than assuming that every complaint involves the same factual or procedural questions.

Affirmative consent generally refers to a knowing, voluntary, and mutual agreement to participate in sexual activity. The precise definition governing a Lehigh disciplinary proceeding must be determined from the applicable university policy. Previous sexual encounters do not establish continuing consent, and agreement to one form of sexual contact does not necessarily authorize another. Consent may be withdrawn, and a person’s failure to physically resist does not automatically demonstrate agreement.

Alcohol, Incapacitation, and Conflicting Recollections

Allegations following parties or other social activities may involve questions about alcohol consumption and incapacitation. Investigators may examine whether an individual had the capacity to make voluntary decisions, what another participant observed, and whether relevant evidence supports the allegation. Alcohol consumption does not automatically establish incapacitation, and the university must apply its governing definitions to the specific circumstances.

Witnesses may disagree about an individual’s behavior or condition. Messages exchanged after an encounter may provide important context but may not conclusively establish what occurred. Jeremy Saland assists respondents and complainants with examining conflicting evidence, organizing timelines, and preparing accurate explanations of disputed events.

Dating Violence, Stalking, and Retaliation

Some Lehigh disciplinary matters involve allegations arising over the course of a dating relationship or following a breakup. A complaint may concern threats, coercive behavior, repeated unwanted contact, stalking, or sexual harassment. These investigations can require examination of extensive communications, social media activity, and interactions witnessed by friends or classmates.

Lehigh also prohibits retaliation against individuals who report misconduct or participate in university investigations. Students should therefore avoid communications that could be interpreted as attempts to influence witnesses, intimidate another party, or interfere with the disciplinary process. Our firm helps students understand these concerns while preparing for investigations involving disputed relationship conduct.

The Effect of Disciplinary Restrictions Across Lehigh’s Campuses

Lehigh’s geography creates distinctive challenges for students involved in a sexual misconduct investigation. The Asa Packer Campus contains historic academic buildings, residence halls, and student facilities, while Mountaintop Campus supports research and academic activities. Goodman Campus houses major athletic facilities, and nearby South Bethlehem provides additional residential and social opportunities.

Students may regularly travel among these locations for classes, research assignments, athletic activities, or student organization meetings. A no-contact directive or housing adjustment can therefore affect more than a single building. The complainant and respondent may continue participating in overlapping academic programs or student activities even after restrictions are established.

Academic Accommodations and Shared Facilities

Students enrolled in Lehigh’s P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, College of Business, College of Arts and Sciences, or College of Health may have collaborative academic obligations. Laboratory work, research projects, group assignments, and scheduled presentations can be difficult to rearrange when two individuals are directed to avoid contact.

A student may also encounter another party while attending activities at the Clayton University Center, studying at Linderman Library or Fairchild-Martindale Library, or participating in university organizations. Supportive measures should be evaluated according to the applicable university procedures and the circumstances of both parties.

Saland Law assists students in understanding university restrictions and preparing for discussions about academic access. Complainants may seek measures addressing unwanted contact or safety concerns, while respondents may need clarification about restrictions affecting required coursework or university participation.

Athletic Commitments on Goodman Campus

Lehigh’s Mountain Hawks compete in NCAA Division I athletics, with many programs participating in the Patriot League. Goodman Stadium hosts football, Stabler Arena serves as a major basketball venue, and Grace Hall is associated with wrestling and volleyball. Students participating in athletics may face additional challenges when university directives affect shared facilities, training schedules, or team activities.

An allegation does not itself establish responsibility, but interim restrictions may create practical concerns before the university reaches a determination. A complainant may need adjustments allowing continued participation in athletic activities, while a respondent may worry about access to facilities or team commitments. Our firm helps student-athletes prepare for the disciplinary process while considering how university measures may affect their educational and extracurricular responsibilities.

Reporting Sexual Misconduct and Requesting Support at Lehigh

Lehigh’s Office of Title IX, Title VI, and Equal Opportunity Compliance provides information about reporting sexual misconduct, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Students may contact the office directly or use the university’s Sexual Misconduct/Title IX reporting form. The university also identifies resources for individuals seeking assistance after experiencing sexual violence.

Students should understand the distinction between confidential support and reporting to university officials. Lehigh identifies Counseling and Psychological Services and the Chaplain’s Office at the Dialogue Center among its confidential resources. The Title IX Coordinator, however, is not a confidential resource and may have responsibilities to address reported misconduct under university policies.

Supportive Measures and Informal Resolution

Depending on the circumstances, Lehigh may offer supportive measures intended to preserve access to educational programs and address concerns arising from a report. These may include assistance with academic arrangements, housing concerns, counseling resources, or restrictions on communication between individuals.

The university also describes informal resolution options for eligible matters. These processes may involve educational conversations, modified conduct, separation arrangements, or mutually acceptable agreements. Availability depends on the allegations and the governing procedures, and students, along with the university, must agree on any proposed obligations before reaching a resolution.

Jeremy Saland assists students with presenting these resolutions, understanding these options and preparing for discussions with university officials. For respondents, the decision may involve considering whether an agreement imposes continuing restrictions. For complainants, the focus may involve whether the proposed measures adequately address the reported misconduct and preserve educational access.

Federal Title IX Requirements and Lehigh’s Hearing Procedures

Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Its central statutory provision appears in 20 U.S.C. § 1681(a), while federal enforcement authority is addressed in 20 U.S.C. § 1682. The implementing regulations are found in 34 C.F.R. Part 106.

Under the applicable federal framework, 34 C.F.R. § 106.30 addresses definitions of sexual harassment, while §§ 106.44 and 106.45 establish institutional response and formal grievance requirements. Covered allegations may involve sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, or other qualifying forms of sexual harassment.

These regulations establish procedural protections concerning notice, impartiality, evidence review, and hearings. For qualifying postsecondary Title IX proceedings, the federal framework requires opportunities for advisor-conducted cross-examination during a live hearing.

Preparing for Advisor-Conducted Questioning

A formal Title IX hearing may involve testimony from the complainant, respondent, and witnesses, along with relevant documentary and electronic evidence. Advisors conduct permitted cross-examination rather than the parties personally questioning one another. The decision-maker determines whether proposed questions satisfy the governing relevance requirements.

Preparing for this stage requires understanding the investigative record and identifying factual disputes that may influence the outcome. Questions about consent, witness observations, or inconsistencies in testimony must be considered within the university’s procedural rules. As a former prosecutor, Jeremy Saland brings experience evaluating testimony and developing questions directed toward clarifying contested facts.

Our firm assists students with hearing preparation, evidence organization, and advisor participation. The goal is to help complainants and respondents present accurate information and participate meaningfully in the university’s grievance process.

Disciplinary Sanctions, Appeals, and Pennsylvania Criminal Proceedings

A finding of responsibility for sexual misconduct may result in university sanctions affecting enrollment, housing, or participation in campus activities. Depending on the conduct and applicable rules, consequences may include suspension, expulsion, or lesser disciplinary measures. Lehigh’s published procedures also provide opportunities for qualifying appeals, although the permissible grounds depend on the process used to resolve the allegations.

Some allegations may result in criminal investigations separate from university proceedings. University disciplinary matters and criminal proceedings involve different standards of proof, procedures, and potential consequences. Statements or documents provided during a university investigation may also become relevant to a separate criminal inquiry. Students involved in parallel processes should understand that participation in one proceeding may have implications for the other.

Prepare for Lehigh’s Title IX Process With Jeremy Saland

Lehigh University presents distinctive considerations for students involved in sexual misconduct investigations. Its university-owned fraternity and sorority houses, interconnected residential communities, separate academic and athletic campuses, and institutional investigative procedures can create complications that require careful preparation. Students should understand not only the allegations but also how Lehigh’s applicable policies govern evidence review, responsibility determinations, and hearing participation.

Jeremy Saland advises both complainants and respondents throughout important stages of university disciplinary proceedings, and has done so successfully at Lehigh. His background as a former prosecutor and criminal defense lawyer informs his approach to examining witness accounts, evaluating inconsistencies, and preparing for contested testimony. At Saland Law, we help students organize evidence, prepare for interviews, understand university requirements, and participate effectively in qualifying hearings.

If you are involved in a Lehigh University Title IX investigation, contact Saland Law to discuss your circumstances with Jeremy Saland. Whether the allegations concern sexual assault, affirmative consent, unwanted sexual contact, dating violence, stalking, or sexual harassment, our firm provides individualized advisory assistance focused on helping you understand and navigate the university’s disciplinary process to put your strongest case forward and to protect your time at Lehigh and your life well after the disciplinary process is over.