Episode Details

When the "Cornell 7" case made national headlines this fall, many parents found themselves asking a question they never expected to face: what actually happens when something goes wrong on campus? We spend so much time preparing our kids to get into college and succeed once they get there, but how often do we prepare them for what happens next if a report is made, by them or about them?

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona is joined by her colleague Kimberly Lau, who represents both complainants and respondents in Title IX matters such as the case capturing the latest headlines. Together, they break down what Title IX is, who it protects, what happens when a college receives a report, and what students and parents should know before their child ever needs it.

Kimberly explains why Title IX reaches far beyond athletics, what it generally means when a student is contacted by the campus Title IX office, and what a family should do first, whether their child is reporting something that happened to them, is the subject of a complaint, or simply got caught up in a situation they never expected. She also walks through how privacy rules affect what a school can share with parents, who can sit in on meetings, how investigations, hearings, and decisions typically unfold, and why preserving evidence and knowing your school's policies early can make all the difference.

Whatever the outcome of the case making headlines, it has put a spotlight on how campus processes work, and on how much families often don't know until they're in the middle of one. If you are sending a freshman off to campus, welcoming a student home for the holidays, or simply want to be the kind of parent your child feels safe calling when things go wrong, this conversation offers clear, practical guidance you can use now. As Candace puts it, calling home right away is not a sign that your child has failed at being an adult. It is knowing where to turn.

This episode is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every situation is different, so please consult an attorney about your specific circumstances. 

Learn more about Kimberly Lau and her practice at Offit Kurman: https://www.offitkurman.com/kimberly-lau

Connect with Kimberly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlylauesq/ 

• (00:00) - Title IX For Parents
• (00:26) - Meet The Expert
• (01:52) - What Title IX Covers
• (03:52) - Email From Title IX
• (06:41) - First Steps If Accused
• (07:40) - If Your Child Reports
• (09:39) - Police And Campus Safety
• (11:55) - When To Hire Counsel
• (13:07) - FERPA And Parent Access
• (15:23) - Investigation Timeline
• (18:18) - Hearings And Decisions
• (20:59) - Know Your School Policy
• (23:38) - Evidence And Alcohol Risks
• (26:23) - Wrap Up And Subscribe

Follow and subscribe to The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide wherever you listen to podcasts. New conversations are released on the first and third Tuesdays of every month. If this episode resonates with you, leave a five-star rating or review and share it with another sandwich generation caregiver!