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Title IX

Title IX
 

Title IX

Know Your Rights!
Title IX Prohibits Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Where You Go to School

What is Title IX?

  • No person in the US shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving financial assistance…” (Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 [20 U.S.C. Section 1681a]).
     
  • Districts must be in compliance with all of Title IX mandates. 

 

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What are a school’s responsibilities to address sexual harassment and sexual violence?

  • A school has a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively. If a school knows or reasonably should know about sexual harassment or sexual violence that creates a hostile environment, the school must take immediate action to eliminate the sexual harassment or sexual violence, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects.
     
  • Even if a student or his or her parent does not want to file a complaint or does not request that the school take any action on the student’s behalf, if a school knows or reasonably should know about possible sexual harassment or sexual violence, it must promptly investigate to determine what occurred and then take appropriate steps to resolve the situation.
     
  • A criminal investigation into allegations of sexual harassment or sexual violence does not relieve the school of its duty under Title IX to resolve complaints promptly and equitably. 

What procedures must a school have in place to prevent sexual harassment and sexual violence and resolve complaints?

  • Every school must have and distribute a policy against sex discrimination.
     
  • Every school must have a Title IX Coordinator.
     
  • Every school must have and make known procedures for students to file complaints of sex discrimination.