Title IX is the U.S. law that prevents sex discrimination in educational settings. While the law’s basics may be brief, it is complex and features nuanced parts. It has been applied broadly to many gender discrimination and sexual misconduct situations.
However, knowing and understanding the law in full can help people avoid misconduct, or even help violation victims build a case.
From our team of Title IX attorneys at Hiltner Trial Lawyers, based in Akron, OH, here’s what you need to know about this law and its consequences.
What is Title IX?
Title IX is a federal law enacted as part of the Education Amendments of 1972. They are sometimes known as the Higher Education Amendments, and while the amendments cover several categories, Title IX is the most well-known of the amendments.
Title IX is brief, yet complex thanks to certain terms that may be up to interpretation.
However, in its simplest form, Title IX states:
“No person in the U.S. shall, on the basis of sex be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal aid.”
As you can see, “any education program or activity” means the law applies anywhere from the classroom to the lacrosse field. Extracurriculars are not exempt from Title IX.
Because Title IX includes any educational program or activity that receives “federal aid,” it also spans from public preschool programs all the way through public universities.
The law clearly applies not only to a large group of institutions, but to the many, many people who attend them.
Potential Title IX Violations in Ohio
Sex and gender discrimination is also a very broad concept. People in educational settings can discriminate against others in so many different ways, especially considering Title IX includes such a wide range of ages and settings.
Title IX violations may include, but are not limited to:
- Stalking
- Sexual misconduct
- Intimidation
- Derogatory remarks based on sex or gender
- Unfair treatment based on sex or gender
- Financial aid discrimination based on sex or gender
- Admission discrimination based on sex or gender
- Retaliation for filing sex-based discrimination complaints
- And more
Title IX Penalties in Ohio
Because Title IX applies to such a wide variety of scenarios, the penalties are not universal. Different violations of the law can lead to very different consequences.
However, many institutions, schools and organizations look to the Department of Education for guidance when it comes to enforcement.
To help manage such a large scope, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights does provide information and guidelines to these educational bodies concerning Title IX’s enforcement.
Title IX investigations require cooperation and assistance of department officials, compliance reports from department officials and access to sources of information.
However, there is a procedure for many types of cases – especially serious allegations like sexual harrassment and assault. Most cases, including sexual misconduct cases, require notice of allegations which can later be dismissed, consolidated or investigated.
If the complaint is upheld, then a thorough and proper investigation must be conducted, and hearings can be held to determine the offender’s responsibilities and penalties. In some cases, penalties can be appealed.
Contact Hiltner Trial Law Today
If you need to learn more about your rights under Title IX in Ohio, contact Hiltner Trial Law today. We are a team of experienced legal professionals based in Akron, OH, and we are prepared to fight for those accused of Title IX violations. Contact us today, so we can help you and fight for you every step of the way.
