While the federal regulations that protect diversity in colleges and universities are currently under attack, the federal and Pennsylvania laws that protect students from discrimination are still in full force. These include the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and Pennsylvania Fair Educational Opportunities Act. Under these, colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher education are prohibited from discriminating against students, or potential students, based on protected characteristics such as age, race, national origin, sex, gender, affectional orientation, or disability. All students must be provided with equal access to education in an environment that is free from discrimination.
College and university programs that must be operated in a non-discriminatory manner include:
…among many others.
Numerous federal laws, including Title IV, Title VI, and Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, prohibit discriminatory actions by institutions of higher education.
Raffaele Law provides legal counseling and representation to undergraduate and graduate students facing education discrimination by professors, staff and/or administrators in matters such as sexual harassment, failure to provide accommodations for learning or other disabilities and discrimination based on age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, religion, national origin, sexual or affectional orientation, or disability. We forcefully advocate for and defend our clients’ rights through the state and federal courts of Pennsylvania, as well as in school administrative proceedings, alternative dispute resolution forums and settlement negotiations.
Whether you require extra time to complete examinations, need accommodations for a mobility issue, or are being treated unfairly because of your age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, religion, national origin, or sexual or affectional orientation, Michael D. Raffaele is prepared to provide experienced and compassionate representation to protect your rights. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.
We expect institutions of higher education such as colleges and universities to be enlightened places of learning that treat all students fairly. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, particularly when it comes to disciplinary proceedings. Disciplinary action can have a long-term impact on a student’s ability to finish college or earn a post-graduate degree and may harm the student’s chances of obtaining employment in the future.
Disciplinary actions such as suspension and expulsion can also mean lost months, or even years, of effort as well as wasted tuition. An undergraduate or graduate student accused of an academic, honor code, code of conduct or other violation requires the assistance of an experienced education attorney to protect his or her investment and future.
Raffaele Law provides legal counseling and representation in relation to all disciplinary proceedings, including disciplinary appeals. Michael Raffaele proudly serves as a students’ rights lawyer, protecting the rights of college students, university students, medical students, law school students, business students and graduate school students throughout Pennsylvania. Whether you have been accused of violating your school’s code of conduct or are facing disciplinary action as a result of criminal charges, we encourage you to contact Raffaele Law today for experienced, effective representation.
The vast majority of college and university students are legal adults, that is, they are 18 years or older. As adults, college and university students are entitled to the the same Constitutional freedoms guaranteed to citizens outside of the educational setting. These include the First Amendment rights of freedom of religion, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. Students of higher education are also entitled to due process of law–meaning they must receive notice of any disciplinary action and have the opportunity to be heard.
Raffaele Law is prepared to vigorously defend the rights of undergraduate and graduate students who are being treated unjustly by their educational institutions. Michael Raffaele is dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients attending colleges and universities in Pennsylvania. If you feel you have been treated unfairly, contact us today to learn how we can help.
Raffaele Law provides skilled legal counseling and representation to protect the rights of college and university students throughout Pennsylvania. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.
