The Title IX process is an investigation that your school embarks on after receiving a complaint against you. It is unlike a criminal or civil investigation and trial, so the protections you're granted may be much different than what would be offered in such a case. You are not entitled to a conversation with the opposing party, for instance. However, you are entitled to an equal, impartial, prompt process. This means that, for example, if the person who made the complaint against you is allowed witness testimony, fairness dictates that you have the right to cross-examine that witness. You are also entitled to an advisor who can guide you and be present with you at each phase of the Title IX process. This is the role your Title IX defense attorney plays. This professional will aggressively represent your interests in a way that the school simply doesn't.

"Beyond a reasonable doubt" is a strict standard that applies to criminal prosecutions. It is not applicable in Title IX cases. Instead, the standard of proof a school uses in Title IX cases is less stringent. It's the "preponderance of the evidence" that counts; and this standard can make it more difficult to succeed as a defendant in this kind of case. The preponderance of the evidence states that the complainant merely has to prove that there is more truth to falsehood in their allegations. This means that, if a panel deems a complaint against you to be more than 50 percent likely to be true, you will be subject to penalties.

The University of Missouri School System complies with Title IX in all facets. Students cannot possibly be expected to understand each and every one. However, it is wise to know some of the finer points of what might unwittingly or haphazardly invite a complaint. In the area of sexual harassment, Title IX has a few categories into which conduct may fall. These include:

• "Hostile environment." A hostile environment may be created through unwelcomed conduct that is perceived as objectively offensive, pervasive, severe, and that denies a person equal access to the school's program or any activity therein.
• "Quid Pro Quo." "An employee of the University conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the University on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct."
• "Sexual assault." Any sexual conduct that constitutes rape, even statutory rape and fondling, is categorized as sexual assault.
• "Stalking." Any conduct that is directed at a specific person that results in emotional distress or fear for their safety may be perceived as stalking.
• "Dating violence." Violence committed by a person on another person with whom they are in a romantic relationship.
• "Domestic violence." Violence committed by a person on a spouse, child, or intimate partner with whom they cohabitate. The family violence laws of Missouri come into play in determining what qualifies as domestic violence.