How to Report a School Violating Title IX

Despite laws prohibiting it, discrimination against gender continues to be a problem. Title IX (9) of the 1972 Education Amendment specifically bans sex discrimination in any educational program receiving federal funds. Although gender equality has come a long way since the amendment first passed, gender discrimination continues in education. Follow these steps to report a Title IX violation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Assess in what areas you are being discriminated against. Title IX has long been associated with equal opportunities in athletics, but the law also specifically addresses discrimination in employment, career training, testing, technology, math and science education, pregnancy and availability of higher education, and prohibits sexual harassment.
2. Document specific situations of sex discrimination with as much detail as possible. Include dates and names.
3. Request a copy of grievance procedures from the designated Title IX coordinator for your school system. All federally supported educational institutions are required to designate and train at least one employee to investigate complaints of sex discrimination.
4. File a grievance with the Title IX coordinator. Continue to document all dates and interactions. Request and keep a copy of all paperwork.
5. Follow up with the coordinator at regular intervals. If your complaint is resolved to your satisfaction, the grievance is complete.
6. Look into filing a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights if your grievance is not resolved in a satisfactory manner. You must do this within 60 days of the last step of the previous grievance procedure.
7. Submit a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights on a Discrimination Complaint Form or in a letter with the following information: name, address and phone; description of who is being discriminated against or harassed; name and location of the institution where the violation occurred; description of the violation.

Tips & Warnings

• Title IX's protections apply to both sexes. Men and boys are also victims of gender discrimination and sexual harassment.