Jim Gilliam successfully represented Coastal Carolina University in a five-day federal jury trial involving Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. While plaintiff was a student at the University, a female student accused the male plaintiff of sexual assault. The University followed its policies in conducting an investigation and engaging in the student-disciplinary process. Ultimately, the student-disciplinary process found plaintiff in violation of the University’s policies and permanently dismissed the plaintiff from the University.

Following the plaintiff’s permanent dismissal, the plaintiff brought suit under Title IX, alleging the University engaged in gender discrimination in investigating and adjudicating the allegations of sexual assault. The University denied the plaintiff’s allegations and maintained that it engaged in its process in a gender neutral manner.

This case appears to be the first ever student-disciplinary process to result in a jury trial. The ten-person jury deliberated for less than two hours and found in favor of the University. This case is an important victory for colleges and universities in the ever-changing landscape of Title IX.

Jim Gilliam is a partner in Burr & Forman’s Greenville, SC office.

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