Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 is a federal law that states:

“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.”

The Title IX amendment has far-reaching implications for students; however, we concentrate on the protections offered to victims of intimate partner violence, sexual violence or stalking. Due to mandatory reporting guidelines, a Title IX report and/or investigation occur over the objection of the victim. Regardless of the victim’s level of participation, all schools have a duty to stop, prevent and remedy the behavior reported in an equitable manner.

Title IX Actions exist separately from any civil or criminal court proceedings; they are actions taken and managed by the school. Law enforcement may investigate an incident independent of any Title IX action or finding and determine if any criminal legal action is appropriate. A civil action may be filed by parties involved as well but that is not related to a Title IX action.

Title IX Applies to All Schools that Receive Federal Funding: K-12, Colleges & Universities

The law requires institutions to respond to intimate partner violence, sexual violence or stalking that:

• takes place on campus;
• is connected to school programs; or
• is perpetrated by anyone affiliated with the school

Off-campus misconduct matters as much as misconduct that occurs on campus, whether it takes place down the street, online, or overseas.

Applies to Students, Faculty, Staff, Subcontractors, Vendors, Guests and Visitors

Protections Against: