K Altman Law Urges Prompt Campus Responses in Cornell Case Scandal

K Altman Law, a law firm focused on student conduct, Title IX, special education, and civil rights matters, has issued a statement urging prompt and consistent campus responses to serious reports of misconduct. This comes in the wake of a renewed scrutiny of Cornell University’s handling of a case, following the reopening of a criminal investigation by the Tompkins County District Attorney on September 28.

The firm’s founder and managing partner, Keith Altman, emphasized the importance of timely and fair responses to serious reports.

The press release highlights the need for institutions to provide immediate safety assessments, supportive measures, and the preservation of evidence following a serious report. It also stresses the importance of clear communication about the applicable process, ensuring that students understand the steps taken and the rationale behind any disciplinary actions.

Cornell’s Policy 6.4, which governs the university’s response to misconduct, calls for prompt, fair, and impartial processes. The policy identifies the severity and impact of prohibited conduct as factors relevant to sanctions. However, the press release notes that differences between written standards and actual disciplinary outcomes can leave students uncertain about how policy is applied. The firm advocates for institutions to document the reasons for sanctions, apply the same factors in comparable cases, and explain decisions to the parties involved, as permitted by policy and privacy rules.

The firm’s statement comes in response to a civil complaint that disputes Cornell’s handling of the matter. Cornell maintains that its process included hearings and resulted in suspensions and expulsions. However, the competing accounts have not been resolved in court, and public reporting does not establish the timing or proportionality of each individual campus decision.

Altman, in his statement, underscored the importance of timely action and consistent application of policies.

K Altman Law’s advice to institutions is clear: prioritize immediate safety, conduct a thorough investigation, and ensure that any disciplinary actions are consistent with established policies. The firm’s statement reflects a commitment to supporting educational institutions in navigating the complexities of student conduct and ensuring that all parties receive fair treatment.