Title IX is a federal civil rights law passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), which prohibits sex-based discrimination — including sexual orientation and gender identity — in any school or other education program that receives funding from the federal government. Originally adopted to address inequalities of girls and women in programs and activities such as athletics, today it provides protection against
sexual harassment, sexual violence, bullying, pregnancy and parenting discrimination, and gender-based stereotyping and harassment.
New Title IX regulations, issued by The Secretary of Education, take effect on August 14, 2020, amend the regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX). The final regulations specify how recipients of Federal financial assistance covered by Title IX, including elementary and secondary schools, must respond to allegations of sexual harassment consistent with Title IX’s prohibition against sex discrimination. The revised regulations are intended to effectuate Title IX’s prohibition against sex discrimination by requiring recipients to address sexual harassment as a form of sex discrimination in education programs or activities. The final regulations obligate recipients to respond promptly and supportively to persons alleged to be victimized by sexual harassment, resolve allegations of sexual harassment promptly and accurately under a predictable, fair grievance process that provides due process protection for alleged victims and alleged perpetrators of sexual harassment, and effectively implement remedies for victims.