Title IX Information Required On School Websites Under New Regulations

According to new regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Education, certain Title IX information must be prominently posted on school websites. This information includes contact information of the school’s Title IX coordinator(s), the school’s non-discrimination policy, and materials used to train the school’s Title IX personnel. The requirement will go into effect on August 14, 2020.

Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 is a federal law that states: “No person in the United States 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 Federal financial assistance.”

Although originally adopted to address inequalities facing females, the scope of Title IX has broadened to provide protection against sexual harassment and gender-based sexual violence.

What is sexual harassment vs. sexual assault?

Sexual harassment means unwanted, inappropriate sexual advances, including suggestive gestures, language, or touching. Sexual assault, also referred to as sexual abuse, is the use of force, coercion, or an imbalance of power to make a person engage in sexual activity without his or her consent.

Sexual harassment can happen to anyone, anywhere. However, women, the LGBTQ community, people with disabilities, and people of color are often targeted.

Reporting Sexual Misconduct and Retaliation

Students or staff at educational institutions who are affected by sex discrimination or sexual harassment can file Title IX complaints with the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.  Survivors may also be able to file a civil lawsuit to hold their harasser accountable for their misconduct.

Contact Grant & Eisenhofer Civil Rights Attorneys for a Consultation

Grant & Eisenhofer’s civil rights attorneys can help you determine if you have legal options to file a sexual harassment or sexual assault lawsuit.