Sexual assault and violence on university campuses across the United States is more prevalent than ever. Approximately 33 percent of college undergraduate students suffer from rape or sexual assault at some point while in school. College sexual assault can occur on or off campus, at parties, fraternity/sorority events, in public housing, and in communal spaces. When sexual assault occurs on a college or university campus, survivors have a right to seek justice within the College or University system. To do this, they might consider filing a Title IX sexual assault claim. But what is Title IX and how does it relate to sexual abuse?
Title IX is a federal law originally established in 1972 with the passage of the Education Amendments. It prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational institutions and applies to all public and private schools, colleges, and universities that receive federal funding. Historically, the law protected individuals against sexual discrimination. However, Title IX now extends to sexual violence, sexual assault, and sexual harassment on campus, which includes dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.
The law itself is only a few pages long, but many guidelines come with it. These guidelines instruct school officials to take complaints of sexual violence seriously. Administrators must investigate all complaints and develop policies to protect students against harassment and sexual violence. Any program or school that receives federal funding must abide by Title IX laws.
