Title IX

On May 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education issued the long-awaited final rule governing sexual misconduct in education under Title IX, the law prohibiting sex discrimination in programs that receive federal funding.

The new regulations, which become effective on August 14, 2020, have the full force and effect of law. They will significantly impact the way in which schools must respond to Title IX complaints of sexual harassment and sexual assault. Join us as we discuss what has changed from the 2014 Office for Civil Rights.

Title IX states that: 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.

Title IX Compliance Areas:

Proportionality: This is a determination of the school's athletics programs in relation to the number of male and female students enrolled and if that enrollment is proportional to their overall representation in the student body.

Expansion: If there are fewer programs and opportunities for female students, Districts or school sites must show that they are working to expand their female athletics programs.

Accommodating Interests:  If the programs are not equal, and there is no current expansion due to lack of interest then a school can show they are complying with Title IX by showing that they already meet the interests of the students.