What is Title IX?

Title IX is a pivotal federal civil rights law passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or any other education program that receives funding from the federal government.

This encompasses a wide range of conduct including sexual harassment and sexual assault, making Title IX especially significant in the context of higher education campuses. Under Title IX, sexual harassment is broadly defined to include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that interferes with a student's access to education. This includes acts of sexual violence, such as rape or sexual assault, which are considered forms of sexual harassment and are thus prohibited under Title IX.

Title IX requires colleges and universities to take immediate and effective steps to respond to sexual harassment and assault complaints. This means that institutions must investigate complaints promptly and thoroughly, provide a fair and impartial process for all parties involved, and take appropriate action to eliminate harassment, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects. Educational institutions must also provide support services and accommodations to survivors, such as counseling and changes to academic, living, or working situations. The goal of Title IX in the context of sexual harassment and assault on college campuses is not only to address individual cases but also to create a campus environment that is safe, respectful, and conducive to learning for all students, free from discrimination based on sex.