Frequently Asked Questions About Title IX
| | Title IX
If you’ve been listening to the news at all lately, chances are you’ve heard the words “Title IX” several times. However, the news is notorious for not fully explaining important laws that are currently at issue in our society and, additionally, many fundamental aspects of this law have been hotly debated by the previous and current political administrations. Even many college students and employees – to whom Title IX primarily applies – don’t fully understand all of the implications of the law.
The following are brief answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions regarding Title IX.
What exactly is Title IX?
“Title IX” refers to Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, which is a law that prohibits sex discrimination against any person involved in an educational activity, institution, or school that receives federal funds. “Discrimination” can include exclusion from participation, unequal opportunities or advantages, sexual harassment, and sexual violence. It is also important to note that almost every university or college – public or private – receives federal funding through financial aid sponsored by the federal government.
Who is protected by Title IX?
While Title IX is most commonly discussed in reference to students, the law also provides protections against sex discrimination to employees, as well. This can include coaches, professors, staff, and more.
What is the relationship between collegiate athletics and Title IX?
Athletics is an area of educational programs that is perhaps most affected by Title IX requirements. A large part of Title IX applies to athletics departments not discriminating against women’s sports teams in any manner.
In order to comply with Title IX, school athletic departments must provide the following to both men and women:
- Equal opportunities to play
- Proportional scholarship dollars to participation rates
- Equal access to facilities, supplies, equipment, coaching, training, housing, promotions, recruitment, support services, and travel opportunities.
You should always remember that while Title IX is often discussed in the context of athletics, the law applies to every aspect of education, which can include financial aid, health benefits, course offerings, employment, activities, and other amenities. It also applies to safety from sexual violence or misconduct and adequate services and actions if such misconduct is reported.
What happens when a Title IX violation occurs?
If you think a Title IX violation has occurred, you can seek relief by filing a complaint with the federal Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which is in charge of enforcing Title IX compliance. The OCR will then conduct an investigation and take necessary action. You also may have the right to file a Title IX lawsuit against the school or university to seek redress for harm caused by the violation. To determine whether you should take legal action and the right course of action in your case, it is always critical to discuss your concerns with a highly experienced Title IX attorney.
Contact a New Haven Title IX attorney with any questions or concerns
If you believe that your rights under Title IX have been violated in any way, you’ve got nothing to lose by discussing your situation with a highly experienced Title IX attorney. At Duffy Law, our dedicated legal team has specific past experience that uniquely qualifies us to represent clients in Title IX cases. Please call 203-946-2000 or contact us online for a confidential case evaluation today.