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Justice for Sexual Assault Victims

Fighting for survivors. Enforcing your rights.

Holding institutions and enablers accountable.

Get Legal Help Now

Learn More

Justice for Sexual Assault Victims

Fighting for survivors. Enforcing your rights.

Holding institutions and enablers accountable.

Get Legal Help Now

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

Please feel free to contact us by phone or email if your question is not fully answered below.

What is Title IX?

Title IX is a federal law that makes it illegal for schools to allow sex-based discrimination. This means schools must protect students from sexual harassment, assault, or unfair treatment because of gender.

Title IX applies to:

All public schools (K-12, Colleges, and Universities)
Most private colleges and universities (because they take federal funding)
Some private K-12 schools if they receive federal money (for example, through programs like free or reduced lunch provided by the USDA)

Does Title Ix apply to both public and private schools?

Yes, but it depends:

Public schools are always covered under Title IX
Private colleges/universities are almost always covered under Title IX as they take federal money through financial aid.
Private K-12 schools are only covered under Title IX if they receive federal funding (such as free/reduced lunch or other programs)

What if I don't know whether my school receives federal funding?

Most schools do. This includes all public schools and most private colleges/universities. For private K-12 schools, it depends on whether they participate in federal programs (e.g., free/reduced lunch provided by the UDSA). If you are not sure, an attorney at Temperance Legal Group would be happy to help you check whether Title IX applies to your specific school.

How can I schedule a consultation with Temperance Legal Group?

You can schedule a consultation with Temperance Legal Group by contacting our office via phone or email. We will be happy to discuss your case and determine the best course of action.

About Temperance Legal Group

Karen is a caring and determined attorney who has spent her career standing up for kids, teens, and families. She has a proven record of handling sexual abuse cases in K–12 schools and post-secondary institutions, including major universities all across the United States. Since 2015, she has worked with survivors and families in states including Alabama, California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Karen’s mission is to hold public and private schools, colleges, universities, and even religious institutions accountable—not just when they fail to protect children, but also when they try to silence, mistreat, or retaliate against survivors and their families.

With 25 years of legal experience, Karen began her career helping working families at UAW Legal Services. She later served her community as a Judge Magistrate in Michigan’s 52-3 District Court. She also spent many years teaching future lawyers at Thomas M. Cooley Law School (formerly Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School), where she now holds emerita status.

Even with her years of experience, Karen has always stayed true to her values: she provides a kind, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where children and parents can feel safe. She knows how difficult it is to step forward, and she makes sure families are heard and supported.

Karen is also known for her strength. She does not back down from large universities, wealthy individuals, or powerful law firms. And above all, she does not tolerate bullies—no matter what they are wearing or how much power they think they have.

As the President and Founder of Temperance Legal Group, PLLC, Karen walks alongside families every step of the way, fighting for fairness, accountability, and healing.

Resources for Students & Families

Trusted organizations and official guidance for Title IX support (K-12 and College/University).

Need immediate Support?

Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN):

1-800-656-HOPE

Use the text message chat service (RAINN) by texting

HOPE to 64673

Use the online chat service (RAINN):

https://hotline.rainn.org/online

Stop Sexual assault in schools (SSAIS®)

Stop Sexual Assault in Schools (SSAIS®) is a national nonprofit that provides Title IX education, advocacy tools, and support for K-12 and posts-secondary students. As a board member, I support its mission to ensure students have equal access to education free from sexual harassment and assault.

RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest NAtional Network)

RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline and offers survivor resources.

National Women's Law CenteR (NWLC)

The National Women's Law Center advocates for gender equity with Title IX guides, policy analysis, and student toolkits.

Know your IX (a project of Advocates for youth)

Know your IX is a survivor-led project with practical guides for navigating school processes and asserting Title IX rights.

I have the right to (IHTRT)

I Have the Right To (IHTRT) is a national nonprofit dedicated to empowering young people to speak out against sexual assault, raising awareness in schools and communities, and supporting survivors through advocacy and education.

United States Department of Education - Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights enforces Title IX and accepts complaints if a school fails to act on harassment, discrimination, or retaliation.

Fighting for Temperance Legal Group's Civil Rights

"Brenda Tracy's attorney says her identity was leaked to media by 'outside party'"

"Michigan State hearing officer rules Mel Tucker sexually harassed Brenda Tracy, her attorney says"

"Michigan State student alleging rape by three basketball players breaks her silence"

CBS News Detroit

September 12, 2023

Read Article Here

"Michigan State student alleging rape by three basketball players breaks her silence"

"Michigan State hearing officer rules Mel Tucker sexually harassed Brenda Tracy, her attorney says"

"Michigan State student alleging rape by three basketball players breaks her silence"

CBS News Detroit

September 12, 2023

Read Article Here

"Michigan State hearing officer rules Mel Tucker sexually harassed Brenda Tracy, her attorney says"

WXYZ Detroit

October 26, 2023

Read Article Here

Distinguished Alumni Awards Focus on exemplary service in the profession

Karen Truszkowski, J.D. - "President and Senior Counsel of Temperance Legal Group, PLLC."

"Michigan State hearing officer rules Mel Tucker sexually harassed Brenda Tracy, her attorney says"

Cooley Law School (2020)

Read Article Here

Karen Truszkowski, J.D. - "President and Senior Counsel of Temperance Legal Group, PLLC."

ATIXA (2024)

Read Speaker Profile Here

Justice for Sexual Assault Victims

Justice for Sexual Assault Victims

About Temperance Legal Group

Our Mission

Frequently Asked Questions

About Temperance Legal Group

Resources for Students & Families

EMPOWERING VOICES: A JOURNEY FOR JUSTICE

Karen in the Media:

Fighting for Temperance Legal Group's Civil Rights

"Brenda Tracy's attorney says her identity was leaked to media by 'outside party'"

"Michigan State hearing officer rules Mel Tucker sexually harassed Brenda Tracy, her attorney says"

"Michigan State student alleging rape by three basketball players breaks her silence"

"Michigan State student alleging rape by three basketball players breaks her silence"

"Michigan State hearing officer rules Mel Tucker sexually harassed Brenda Tracy, her attorney says"

"Michigan State student alleging rape by three basketball players breaks her silence"

"Michigan State hearing officer rules Mel Tucker sexually harassed Brenda Tracy, her attorney says"

"Michigan State hearing officer rules Mel Tucker sexually harassed Brenda Tracy, her attorney says"

"Michigan State hearing officer rules Mel Tucker sexually harassed Brenda Tracy, her attorney says"

Distinguished Alumni Awards Focus on exemplary service in the profession

Karen Truszkowski, J.D. - "President and Senior Counsel of Temperance Legal Group, PLLC."

"Michigan State hearing officer rules Mel Tucker sexually harassed Brenda Tracy, her attorney says"

Karen Truszkowski, J.D. - "President and Senior Counsel of Temperance Legal Group, PLLC."

Karen Truszkowski, J.D. - "President and Senior Counsel of Temperance Legal Group, PLLC."

Karen Truszkowski, J.D. - "President and Senior Counsel of Temperance Legal Group, PLLC."

Contact Us

Temperance Legal Group

You can contact us by phone around the clock.

What our clients are saying

Justice for Sexual Assault Victims

Justice for Sexual Assault Victims

About Temperance Legal Group

Our Mission

Frequently Asked Questions

About Temperance Legal Group

Resources for Students & Families

EMPOWERING VOICES: A JOURNEY FOR JUSTICE

Karen in the Media:

Fighting for Temperance Legal Group's Civil Rights

"Brenda Tracy's attorney says her identity was leaked to media by 'outside party'"

"Michigan State hearing officer rules Mel Tucker sexually harassed Brenda Tracy, her attorney says"

"Michigan State student alleging rape by three basketball players breaks her silence"

"Michigan State student alleging rape by three basketball players breaks her silence"

"Michigan State hearing officer rules Mel Tucker sexually harassed Brenda Tracy, her attorney says"

"Michigan State student alleging rape by three basketball players breaks her silence"

"Michigan State hearing officer rules Mel Tucker sexually harassed Brenda Tracy, her attorney says"

"Michigan State hearing officer rules Mel Tucker sexually harassed Brenda Tracy, her attorney says"

"Michigan State hearing officer rules Mel Tucker sexually harassed Brenda Tracy, her attorney says"

Distinguished Alumni Awards Focus on exemplary service in the profession

Karen Truszkowski, J.D. - "President and Senior Counsel of Temperance Legal Group, PLLC."

"Michigan State hearing officer rules Mel Tucker sexually harassed Brenda Tracy, her attorney says"

Karen Truszkowski, J.D. - "President and Senior Counsel of Temperance Legal Group, PLLC."

Karen Truszkowski, J.D. - "President and Senior Counsel of Temperance Legal Group, PLLC."

Karen Truszkowski, J.D. - "President and Senior Counsel of Temperance Legal Group, PLLC."

Contact Us

Temperance Legal Group

You can contact us by phone around the clock.

What our clients are saying

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