Discrimination based on gender is not only frustrating and upsetting, it is also illegal. If you are the victim of sex discrimination at a university or college in New York, you have the right to demand justice and damages.
Our dedicated university and college sex discrimination lawyers in New York are here to listen and help you understand your options. Let us hold those responsible for gender discrimination accountable and recover the compensation you deserve. Call us now at (212) 601-2728 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
What Counts as Sex Discrimination at Universities and Colleges?
Sex discrimination refers to any unfavorable treatment based on gender. Those affected may include college or university students, prospective students, university or college employees, and prospective employees.
Sex or gender discrimination at universities and colleges can manifest in several ways:
- Sexual Harassment and Assault: You have the right to be free from gender or sexual orientation harassment on campus and during university or college-related activities. You also have the right to an educational environment free of sex-based hostility and to be protected from sexual assault.
- Admission: When admitting students, a college or university may favor applicants of one gender over those of another.
- Housing and Facilities: Discriminatory practices in housing and facilities include denying access to sports facilities or dormitory accommodations based on gender.
- Academic Programs: Universities and colleges may disproportionately enroll students of one gender in academic programs, limiting opportunities for others.
- Scholarships: Educational institutions may be engaging in sex discrimination if they unequally distribute scholarships based on students’ gender.
- Faculty and Staff: If a university or college favors one sex in hiring, promotion, or treatment, they are engaging in illegal gender discrimination.
If you experience illegal discrimination at work or as a student in higher education, know that you are not alone. Gender discrimination is prohibited according to law, and a university and college sex discrimination lawyer in New York at The Howley Law Firm can assert your rights.
Sex Discrimination at Universities and Colleges in New York Is Illegal
The primary laws covering gender discrimination at educational institutions in New York include:
Title IX
Title IX is a federal law enacted in 1972 that prohibits all discrimination based on sex. It applies to all federally funded universities and colleges, education programs, and activities. Title IX also applies to any private institutions receiving federal funds. The law protects students, parents, faculty, administrators, staff members, and applicants for employment from sex discrimination.
The New York City Human Rights Law
The New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) prohibits discrimination due to a person’s gender (whether actual or perceived) gender identity or gender expression. It protects the rights of all, including the LGBTcommunity.
Moreover, New York State recently expanded its human rights law to include for-profit colleges, universities, career schools, English as a second language schools, and public and private non-profit institutions.
How Gender Discrimination Impacts Victims
Sex discrimination at universities and colleges can profoundly affect both students and staff. Here are some of the critical impacts on victims’ health and well-being:
- Mental Health: Sex discrimination can increase the risk of experiencing mental health disorders. Victims may suffer from anxiety, depression, and other negative effects.
- Decreased Self-Esteem: Persistent gender discrimination can cause feelings of decreased self-worth, inferiority, and low self-esteem.
- Emotional Distress: Experiencing gender discrimination can cause emotional distress that may manifest as feelings of anger, frustration, sadness, and helplessness.
- Compromised Social Relationships: Sex discrimination can impact relationships with other students, friends, and family and make it challenging to form and maintain healthy relationships.
- Restricted Academic and Career Opportunities: Gender discrimination may restrict access to educational resources and opportunities. This can affect future employment opportunities and career advancement.
Sex discrimination at universities and colleges in New York is not a trivial matter and can have far-reaching effects on your mental health, self-esteem, relationships, and employment opportunities. If you are affected, whether as a student or employee, don’t stand for it. Contact our dedicated university and college sex discrimination lawyers in New York to understand your legal options and the best next steps.
What to Do When Experiencing Sex Discrimination at University or College
If you or a loved one is experiencing sex discrimination at an educational institution, you can seek support and, if necessary, take legal action against the university or college. Here are your next best steps:
- Document Your Experiences: Keep detailed records of sex discrimination, including dates, times, witnesses, and any written communication. Documenting gender discrimination can be valuable if you decide to file a complaint or pursue a compensation claim.
- Report the Discrimination: Your university or college should have a policy for addressing any sex discrimination complaints. Report your experiences to the responsible person or office. Remember to ask for a copy of the report for your records.
- Seek Support: You don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out for support from friends, family members, classmates or colleagues who can probide moral support and help you get justice. Take advantage of any university, college, or external organization’s counseling services supporting victims of discrimination or harassment.
- Contact a University and College Sex Discrimination Lawyer in New York: If the institution fails to address your complaint or your rights were violated, you may have legal options. Consider speaking to a university and college sex discrimination lawyer at The Howley Law Firm, who can help you understand your rights and determine whether you’re owed compensation.
Remember, you are not alone, and there are resources and support available to help you address sex discrimination at your university or college.
You Could Be Entitled to Compensation
When students, faculty, administrators or staff sue universities and colleges for gender discrimination or sexual harassment, they may seek various types of damages:
Monetary Damages
You could be entitled to reimbursement of your financial losses due to sex discrimination at universities and colleges in New York, such as lost wages, tuition reimbursement, or out-of-pocket expenses.
Injunctive Relief
You could seek injunctive relief, which involves court orders requiring the university or college to take specific actions that remedy or prevent sex discrimination. For example, a college may be ordered to implement additional policies, new procedures, and training for staff and students.
Attorney’s Fees and Legal Costs
If you win your lawsuit, you could recover attorney’s fees and litigation costs from the university or college. Litigation fees include the costs of filing your case in court, expert witness fees, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Reinstatement
If you were wrongfully terminated, denied university or college admission, or passed over for academic assignments due to sex discrimination, you can seek reinstatement. A university or college may be ordered to reinstate you to a previous position, promotion, or academic course.
An experienced university and college sex discrimination lawyer in New York specializing in education law can determine the worth of your case.
How a University and College Sex Discrimination Lawyer in New York Can Help
If you experience sex discrimination at your university or college, you may not know what to do or where to turn. However, you don’t have to figure this out alone. The Howley Law Firm specializes in discrimination laws and can provide you with crucial support and guidance throughout the legal process. Here’s how we can help:
- Legal Guidance and Advocacy: Our attorneys can offer expert legal advice tailored to your unique situation. We can help you understand your rights and options under Title IX and New York anti-discrimination laws.
- Investigate and Gather Evidence: Our attorneys know how to conduct a thorough investigation into discrimination and gather the necessary evidence and documentation to support your claim. We may interview witnesses and analyze a college or university’s policies and procedures. Strong evidence gives you the best chance of achieving a successful outcome.
- Navigating the Administrative Process: Colleges and universities usually have internal procedures for sex discrimination complaints. An attorney at The Howley Law Firm can assist you in navigating this process. For example, we can prepare and submit written complaints and represent you in hearings or meetings with university officials.
- Settlement Negotiation: Sometimes, a sex discrimination claim can be resolved through negotiation and settlement with the university or college. Our attorneys can negotiate with the opposing legal counsel and seek a favorable resolution including monetary compensation.
- Representation in Court: If the university or college refuses to negotiate or fails to offer an adequate settlement, we can pursue legal action and represent you at trial. Having skilled legal representation can significantly improve your chances of prevailing in court.
- Peace of Mind: Beyond their legal expertise, our compassionate sex discrimination lawyers can provide valuable emotional support and advocacy. We can handle your sex discrimination claim from beginning to end and protect your rights throughout the legal process.
Contact The Howley Law Firm Now for Help and Advice
We understand what you are going through and that coming forward can be challenging when you have experienced sex discrimination or harassment. However, the time to file a sex discrimination claim in New York is limited, and waiting too long could bar you from receiving your due.
John Howley, Esq., the founder of The Howley Law Firm, knows how to hold universities and colleges accountable for their failures. In addition to more than 30 years as a trial lawyer, he has served on the Boards of Trustees of the Commissio9n on Independent Colleges and Universities (cIcu), Skidmore College, the Northfield Mount Hermon School, and New York Law School. He uses all of this experience to provide people like you with the same high-quality, dedicated legal representation that universities and colleges have at large law firms. Contact us today to determine whether you have a case and could be entitled to damages.
FAQs – Ask a University and College Sex Discrimination Lawyer in New York
How long does a sex discrimination claim take?
How long a sex discrimination case takes can depend on various factors, including the educational institution’s response and the complexity of the claim. The fastest way to resolve a claim is typically achieved with informal negotiations or mediation. When a claim doesn’t go to court, it may only take a few months to resolve.
However, more complex or high-profile cases requiring formal administrative proceedings and litigation in court can take significantly longer. Some cases can last a couple of years. It’s important to note that a faster resolution is not necessarily advantageous for victims. Achieving a fair and just result may take time and could require going to trial.
What does a university and college sex discrimination lawyer in New York charge?
The Howley Law Firm represents clients on contingency fee basis. Our attorneys only get paid when you win and receive compensation.
How do I know whether I have a legal case for sex discrimination?
Determining whether you have a valid legal claim involves assessing if you experienced any unfair treatment or harassment based on your gender. You may have a legal case if:
- You were denied admission or academic opportunities because of your gender
- You experienced differential treatment or discipline compared to peers of a different gender
- You are the victim of sexual harassment or assault on campus
- You experienced discriminatory practices in housing or athletics
A sex discrimination lawyer can assess the validity of your claim and help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
