Title IX Complaints

Title IX is widely known to prohibit sex discrimination in the education programs and activities of entities that receive federal financial assistance (defined very comprehensively).

In relatively new regulations, Title IX discrimination is also defined as sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. These additions also clarify that even just one severe incident (even if not pervasive) can qualify as Title IX sexual harassment.

A hostile work environment also falls under Title IX. The Act defines that as:

• A situation of discriminatory or sexual nature that created an adverse setting

• An intimidating or offensive environment that causes a person to be fearful

• A setting that denies, limits, or interferes with a person's ability to participate in or benefit from a program, activity, or job

Examples include:

• Bullying, abusive or intimidating comments and actions

• Intimidating or offensive comments that alter the conditions of a person's work, classroom, team, or program environment

• Continual offensive comments or surroundings of a discriminatory or sexual nature

Thus, Title IX is often, but not always, “just” for wrongdoing on the basis of sex.

Contact Myanna for more help in this area. She specializes in tenure and other professor-related law. She is a California-barred attorney providing representation nationwide. She was a tenured law professor herself and now helps other faculty prevail without having to file suit.