Leslie Murray Law Serving Our Community With Client-Centered Legal Representation 2026-10-01T08:25:25Z https://www.lesliemurraylaw.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1504020/2021/11/cropped-leslie-v2-favicon-32x32.jpg On Behalf of Leslie Murray Law <![CDATA[What if a school delays a Title IX investigation?]]> https://www.lesliemurraylaw.com/?p=46716 2026-10-01T08:25:25Z 2026-10-01T04:00:12Z Reporting sexual harassment or abuse at school can take a lot out of a student and their family. When weeks pass without clear answers, that stress can grow, especially if the student still has to attend class or see people connected to the complaint. A delay is not always improper, but the school should be able to explain why the process is taking longer than expected.

How long an investigation should take

There is no single deadline that applies to every Title IX investigation. Under the 2020 Title IX rules, schools must instead create a reasonably prompt schedule for handling complaints. That means the school’s own Title IX policy matters. It should give students and families some idea of how long the process normally takes and what can happen if the school needs more time.

When extra time may be reasonable

Sometimes an investigation does need to slow down. A witness may be unavailable, the case may involve a large amount of evidence or another issue may make the usual timeline unrealistic. The rules also recognize situations involving law enforcement, language assistance or disability accommodations. When a school extends the process for good cause, it should give the parties written notice and explain the reason for the delay.

Which support measures should continue during a delay

Even while everyone waits, the student should not be left without help. Supportive measures can include counseling, deadline extensions, class changes, restrictions on contact or added security. These steps matter because the effects of harassment do not stop just because the investigation is still open. The goal is to help the student continue participating in school while the complaint moves forward.

Whether police involvement can affect the timeline

Some Title IX cases also involve police, especially when the allegations include sexual assault or abuse. A criminal investigation can justify a limited delay in the school process. Still, the two investigations serve different purposes. Police involvement does not automatically allow the school to put its Title IX responsibilities on hold indefinitely.

Why a prolonged delay may raise concerns

The length of an investigation alone does not show that a school violated Title IX. The bigger concern is what happens during that time. Repeated missed deadlines, long stretches without updates or unexplained inactivity can raise questions about whether the school is responding promptly. Those concerns can become more serious if the delay leaves the student exposed to continued harassment or disrupts their education.

What records can show how the school handled the delay

If the process starts to stall, keeping good records can make the timeline much clearer. Save the complaint, emails, extension notices, school policies and any requests for updates or support. A simple written timeline can also help. It may show when the school interviewed witnesses, requested evidence or stopped communicating, which can become important when reviewing broader Title IX concerns.

Where the process can go after a long delay

Not every extension means the school has done something wrong. Still, a student or family should not have to accept an open-ended process with no explanation. Looking at the school’s written timeline, the reasons given for delays and the support provided during the wait can help show whether the investigation is still moving as it should. If those pieces no longer match, it may be time to consider what other options are available.]]> On Behalf of Leslie Murray Law <![CDATA[What to do if your child’s harassment complaint is dismissed]]> https://www.lesliemurraylaw.com/?p=46713 2026-08-18T10:36:07Z 2026-08-26T10:34:15Z Document the school's response Start by gathering everything related to the complaint and the school's decision. Having organized records makes it easier to reference important details if you need to ask questions, file an appeal or consult an attorney. Save copies of:
  • Emails, letters and text messages from school officials
  • Notes from meetings or phone calls, including dates and who participated
  • The original complaint and any supporting evidence, such as screenshots or witness information
A complete record can also help you compare the school's response to its own policies and identify whether they overlooked any important steps.

Request a written explanation

Ask the school to explain why it dismissed the complaint. A written response can clarify the reason for the decision and provide a record of the school's position. You can also ask whether the school conducted an investigation, what information they considered and whether they followed established procedures. Whenever possible, communicate in writing so you have a clear record of future conversations.

Review the school's policies

Compare the school's actions to its own procedures for handling harassment reports. These policies are often available in a student handbook or on the district's website. Understanding those expectations can help you ask more informed questions if something about the process does not seem right.

Evaluate your next options

You may still have options if the school did not respond appropriately. Some schools offer an appeal or grievance process that allows families to request another review. If you believe the school ignored its policies or failed to meet its legal obligations, it may also be time to seek legal advice. An attorney can help you understand your rights, explain whether Title IX may apply and discuss possible next steps based on your family's situation.

Keep fighting for your child's safety

Staying organized and asking questions can help you continue advocating for your child after a complaint is dismissed. Even if the outcome is not what you hoped for, staying informed can help you make decisions based on the rights your child has under the law.]]> On Behalf of Leslie Murray Law <![CDATA[Attorney Leslie Murray: Bringing precision and perspective to Title IX cases]]> https://www.lesliemurraylaw.com/?p=46709 2026-07-22T17:20:06Z 2026-07-27T11:34:51Z student should never have to choose between an education and their safety, dignity, or equal opportunity. Yet sex-based discrimination still shows up in learning spaces, often in ways that feel confusing, minimized, or quietly tolerated. Title IX exists to change that reality. Title IX is a federal civil rights law that protects people from discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs and activities that receive federal funding. It reaches far beyond athletics. It can apply to sexual harassment, sexual assault, unequal access to academic opportunities, discriminatory discipline, retaliation for reporting and barriers faced by pregnant and parenting students. When schools fail to respond promptly and effectively, the harm spreads: students withdraw from courses, avoid campus and school spaces, lose scholarships, and carry the impact long after graduation. Those who believe they are the victim of such a violation need a strong advocate. One who understands due process and the practical realities of school and campus investigations. Attorney Leslie Murray brings a rare combination of courtroom readiness, international human rights experience and community leadership that aligns well with the demands of Title IX representation. Her guiding principle is clear: when she sees a wrong, she believes it needs to be righted. That commitment is rooted in a career focused on access to justice, especially for people who may feel unheard or outmatched by systems of power.

A foundation built on rights based work and rigorous training

Leslie Murray earned her J.D. from Case Western Reserve University Law School with an International Law Concentration With Honors. That academic focus matters in Title IX cases, where statutory interpretation, agency guidance and evolving procedural standards require careful legal analysis. Early in her career, she worked in West Africa implementing basic human rights and the rule of law, including service with the United Nations Mission in Liberia in the Legal and Judicial System Support Division. She also served with the Office of the Prosecutor for the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Those roles reflect experience with investigations, evidence evaluation and fairness driven process, all central to effective Title IX advocacy. Attorney Murray’s foundation pairs technical legal skill with a justice oriented approach that resonates in sensitive school and campus disputes.

Litigation credibility and professional standing

Title IX cases do not move forward like most legal disputes. Attorneys serve as advisors, helping victims to present their case in a way that preserves their integrity while also holding those who violate their rights accountable. Representation requires more than legal acumen. These sensitive matters require a combination of legal experience and advocacy.  Attorney Leslie Murray’s qualifications for Title IX cases reflect more than credentials. They reflect a career shaped by rule of law work, rigorous legal training and a consistent commitment to leveling the playing field so that power does not decide outcomes. For victims of Title IX violations, Attorney Murray serves as a principled advocate who understands process, proof and justice and is able to adjust to any changes that could impact how these cases move forward in the future.]]>