LGBTQ+

Investigating allegations involving LGBTQ+ individuals can require unique interview techniques and tools. PII’s investigators apply deep expertise gained from conducting complex investigations involving LGBTQ+ individuals for colleges and universities as well as private and public employers. We seek to mitigate trauma and potential gender dysphoria throughout an interview by using gender-neutral terminology when applicable, centering the individual’s right to self-identify, respecting chosen pronouns, and mirroring language used by the interviewee to self-describe. The firm’s reports are prepared with the same high level of sensitivity to identity as well as terminology.

Public universities, private colleges, and community colleges retain PII to conduct neutral fact-finding investigations of allegations of discrimination involving sexual orientation and gender identity among or between students, faculty, and others on campus. The firm’s extensive experience in human rights, civil rights, and workplace sexual harassment investigations, combined with its expertise in criminal investigation, uniquely qualifies our team to deliver quality, timely investigative reports. Our investigators include experts in sexual orientation and gender identity who frequently provide advanced trainings on LGBTQ+ issues including sexual orientation and identity, gender identity, and issues affecting the trans community.

Recent Matters

In a complex Title IX matter, two students identifying as LGBTQ+, alleged sexual abuse and misconduct spanning two years. PII completed an investigation in accordance with Title IX and two separate university policies covering the period. The complainant made aspects of their complaint public while our investigation was underway, negatively affecting both parties and witnesses and causing us to employ advanced level trauma-informed interviewing methods. PII found there were no violations of the school’s sexual misconduct policy.
A trans woman at a university brought a complaint based on gender identity against her professor. The complainant alleged the professor began misgendering her after another student accidentally used the complainant’s dead-name. The success of the investigation required trauma informed interview techniques as well as competency and comfort with terminology and issues relating to the trans community. Based on its investigation, PII found the professor had violated the school’s Title IX policies prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity.