Defending Your Rights: What Suspended Student-Athletes Need to Know Under Title IX
If you’re a student-athlete suspended before your school has completed an investigation, you’re not alone. Despite new federal Title IX regulations issued in August 2024, many colleges still remove athletes from their teams immediately after an accusation – long before any findings are made.
Federal law is clear: a school cannot suspend or discipline you solely because of an allegation. Internal team rules or conduct policies do not override federal law. Title IX supersedes institutional policy and requires a full investigation and formal finding before any disciplinary action, such as suspension or team removal, can occur.
Yet, these unlawful suspensions continue – often costing athletes vital playing time, exposure, NIL opportunities, eligibility, reputation, and career prospects while cases drag on for months or longer.
Your Rights Under Title IX
Under Title IX’s updated rules, both complainants and respondents are entitled to fairness, due process, and equal access to education, including athletics. If you’ve been accused, your school must:
Conduct a neutral investigation before imposing any discipline
Allow you to review and respond to evidence gathered
Provide a support person or advisor during the process
Refrain from removing you from classes, athletics, or housing unless it determines an actual safety threat exists – based on evidence, not accusation
When colleges skip these steps and default to suspension, they blur the line between safety and sanction and violate federal law.
How We Can Help
If you’ve been suspended before any investigation or finding, expert legal guidance can help you protect your rights, challenge improper actions, and work toward reinstatement. You may have grounds to challenge the decision and seek reinstatement.
Start by carefully documenting everything. Save all written communications with coaches, administrators, or investigators. Stay engaged with your education, and keep detailed notes on lost athletic opportunities, scholarships, and NIL income – these records can be crucial in appeals or legal proceedings.
Our Title IX defense team helps student-athletes ensure their schools follow proper procedures and maintain fairness for all parties. We can help you:
Request your Title IX case file and all notices or communications from your institution
Ask for clarification on what specific policy or rule your suspension is based on
File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) if your school failed to follow federal requirements
Ensure supportive measures are implemented that protect all students without presuming guilt – such as housing or class adjustments, no-contact directives, campus escorts, and access to counseling or advocacy services
Every athlete deserves the chance to defend themselves through a lawful process.
To learn how our firm helps student-athletes navigate Title IX violations, eligibility cases, and disciplinary appeals, contact us for a confidential consultation.
