Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a comprehensive federal law that applies to any institution receiving federal financial assistance from the Department of Education, including state and local educational agencies. The law protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance, which states:

“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.”

Any student, faculty, or staff member who has experienced, or is experiencing, violence or harassment, has the right to seek support and justice through the school district under a civil rights law called Title IX.

Title IX protects all students, faculty and staff in federally funded education programs and activities. Public elementary or secondary schools are subject to Title IX.

Title IX also applies to private, parochial, or other schools if they receive federal funding through various programs — or if they are formally affiliated with another school (such as the diocese) that receives some federal funds.