Private universities do not have to allow students accused of misconduct to cross-examine their accusers in live hearings, the California Supreme Court held Monday in a case closely watched by colleges, women’s rights groups and critics of Title IX investigations.

While universities must notify students of the disciplinary charges they face and provide “a meaningful opportunity to respond,” those institutions have to balance competing interests, including the accused’s interest in fair proceedings, the alleged victim’s wish not to be re-traumatized and the school’s desire to maintain a safe campus, Associate Justice Joshua Groban wrote for the unanimous court.