Title IX

What is Title IX?
Title IX is a federal law that prohibits any educational institution that receives federal financial assistance (such as grants or student loans) from discriminating on the basis of sex.

Are all school districts and colleges covered by Title IX?
Generally, yes. All public school districts are covered by Title IX because they receive some federal financial assistance and operate education programs. All public colleges are covered because they receive assistance by participating in federal student aid programs.

Does Title IX only apply to students?
No. Title IX protects everyone who interacts with a school from discrimination, including parents and guardians, students, employees, and applicants.

What is sex based harassment?
Sex-based harassment can take multiple forms. Harassers can be students, school staff, or even someone visiting the school, such as a student or employee from another school. Sexual harassment (including sexual violence) is a form of sex-based harassment.

What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment refers to sex-based conduct that satisfies one or more of the following:  
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(1) quid pro quo harassment by an employee of an educational institution—meaning that an employee offers something to a student or other person in exchange for sexual conduct;  
(2) unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would find to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to an education program or activity; or  
(3) sexual assault (as defined in the Clery Act), dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking (as defined in the Violence Against Women Act). Each of these categories of misconduct is a serious violation that jeopardizes a victim’s equal access to education.

Additional Resources