Title IX

Title IX is a Federal Civil Rights law passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972. 

This law protects people from discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance. 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.” 

What is Sexual Harassment? 

1.  “Quid pro quo” harassment, which occurs when a District employee conditions the provision of a District benefit, service, or assistance on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct;

2.  “Hostile Environment,” which is defined as unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to District education program or activity; or

3.  Physical threats and attacks, including “sexual assault,” defined as forcible and non-forcible sex offenses as defined in the Clery Act, or dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking as defined in the Violence Against Women Act.

Students, employees, or other members of the District community who believe they have been subjected to sex or gender-based harassment, discrimination, or retaliation should report the incident to the Title IX Coordinator, who will provide information about supportive measures and the applicable grievance process(es). Parents and legal guardians of primary and secondary school students who have the legal authority to act on their child’s behalf may file a formal complaint on behalf of their child.

The Title IX Coordinator is also available to answer questions or concerns about sex discrimination, sexual harassment, policies, procedures, or other relevant issues.