Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities. It was passed in 1972 to ensure that male and female students and employees in educational settings are treated equally and fairly. All public and private elementary and secondary schools, school districts, colleges, and universities that receive any Federal funds must comply with Title IX. Some key features of Title IX include:

• Nondiscrimination policy: Title IX requires that each school publish a policy that it does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs and activities. This notice must be widely distributed and available on an ongoing basis.

• Title IX Coordinator: Every school must designate at least one employee who is responsible for coordinating the school’s compliance with Title IX. This person is sometimes referred to as the Title IX coordinator. Schools must notify all students and employees of the name or title and contact information of the Title IX coordinator.

• Grievance procedures: Title IX requires schools to adopt and publish grievance procedures for students to file complaints of sex discrimination, including complaints of sexual harassment or sexual violence. Schools can use general disciplinary procedures to address complaints of sex discrimination, but all procedures must provide for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints.

Title IX applies to all colleges and universities that receive any federal funding, including student financial aid. Under Title IX, survivors of sexual violence can legally hold their schools accountable for keeping them safe. Schools must take immediate steps to address any sex discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual violence on campus to prevent it from affecting students further. Every school must have a Title IX Coordinator who manages complaints, and the Coordinators contact information should be publicly accessible on the schools website.