Title IX transformed the postsecondary landscape for millions of students by enhancing academic, financial and athletic benefits. Its focus is to ensure students have a safe setting in which to pursue their education.
The failure of some colleges and universities to properly police themselves according to the dictates of Title IX and the “Dear Colleague” letter has resulted in a proliferation of federal government action, legislation, private lawsuits and other causes of action with the potential for large damage awards. To avoid these unwanted scenarios, colleges and universities must carefully coordinate Title IX compliance with the mandates of other applicable federal laws, including the Clery Act, Campus SAVE Act, FERPA and HIPAA. And they need to comply with state law as well.
We offer unique experience and knowledge through an interdisciplinary team of attorneys and former high level state and federal elected and appointed officials, who’ve worked all sides of these issues.
Our Campus Safety & Educational Services for Colleges and Universities include:
Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly | May 19, 2022
This article discusses a judge’s dismissal of hostile work environment and disparate treatment claims against the Rhode Island School of Design, finding that the plaintiff’s lawsuit failed to put forth plausible allegations of gender-based discrimination. Providence partner Steven Richard, leader of NP’s Higher Education and Title IX teams, and department attorney Caitlyn Smith, both of the Construction & Real Estate Litigation group, are representing RISD in the case.
Rhode Island Bar Journal | January 10, 2022
Providence partner and leader of the Higher Education and Title IX teams Steven Richard and department attorney Caitlyn Horbert, both of the Complex Commercial Disputes practice, contributed this article on a much-debated and evolving Title IX question of whether discrimination against a transgender student in an education program or activity constitutes discrimination “on the basis of sex” subject to the statute’s protections.
Inside Higher Ed | March 26, 2020
Providence Complex Commercial Disputes partner Steven Richard says the lack of a fixed time frame for the completion of Title IX investigations has created uncertainty for colleges and universities during this public health crisis.
Partner
Leader, Higher Education
Leader, Title IX
Phone: 401-454-1020
Partner
Phone: 202-585-8188
Partner
Phone: 518-427-2677