See also Legal FAQs Filing Complaints Know Your Rights
Update: the information on Title IX presented here predates the U.S. Department of Education Rule that took effect on 8/14/2020. For more information, see our webpages Hands Off IX and Title IX Coordinators.
What is Title IX?
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Who are perpetrators of sexual violence?
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What can I do if I believe the school has not complied with Title IX regarding sexual harassment or sexual violence?
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Here are some options:
- Show this fact sheet to your school’s principal.
- Inform your school’s Title IX Coordinator describing any incident of sexual violence or ongoing sexual harassment. Schools must have a designated Title IX Coordinator and publicize the name of that individual. If a school does not have a Title IX Coordinator, it does not comply with Title IX regulations.
- File a complaint with the US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Any individual can file a Title IX complaint with the OCR on behalf of victims of sexual assault or ongoing sexual harassment. You do not need a lawyer. You can contact a local OCR enforcement office or you can file a discrimination complaint by using the OCR on-line complaint form. See our page on filing complaints.
- File a Title IX lawsuit in federal court. Only a victim, or the parents of the victim (if the victim is a minor) can file a lawsuit. It’s possible to file a Title IX lawsuit without filing a complaint with OCR. You can also file a complaint with OCR and then file a lawsuit after OCR has completed its investigation, regardless of the outcome. Note that if you file a Title IX lawsuit while OCR is investigating your complaint, OCR will close its investigation. See our page on filing complaints.
How long do I have to file a Title IX complaint with OCR?
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What do I include in the Title IX complaint to OCR?
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- Tell your story clearly and succinctly, following chronological order.
- If you know of others who have experienced sexual assault or harassment at your school, encourage them to join your complaint.
- Explain how sexual assault and harassment has affected your life and education.
- Include information about witnesses, if any.
- Explain what you would like your school to do as a result of your complaint—what changes you are seeking.
What happens after I submit a complaint to OCR?
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What happens if OCR determines that the school did not comply with Title IX?
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If I disagree with the OCR decision, can I appeal?
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What other resolutions are possible in an OCR complaint?
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If OCR finds that the school violated Title IX, does it pay the victim for damages that resulted from sexual harassment or violence?
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How can I get the school to pay the victim for damages that resulted from sexual harassment or violence?
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Where can I learn more about Title IX and sexual harassment?
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This website is intended to provide users with general information and resources that may be of interest. The information is provided as a public service and is not legal advice. Read more…