Title IX Sexual Harassment Guidelines: Know Your Rights to a Fair and Equal Education
A part of the American dream is the betterment of self through education. This means that all men and women have a right to fair and equal educational opportunities not based on their sex or gender. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) offers protections for just these rights. Specifically they enforce Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX sexual harassment guidelines state:
“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.”
This amendment protects people from discrimination based on their sex, in education programs or other activities that receive Federal Financial assistance. These institutions include state and local educational agencies in South Carolina, and all of the United States. Some examples are local school districts, postsecondary institutions, charter schools, vocational schools, for-profit schools, museums, and libraries. Specifically, Title IX sexual harassment guidelines refers to issues related to recruitment, admissions, and counseling, as well as athletics, coaching, scholarships, budgets and single-sex education and more. Staff, coaches, administrators, and employees of these institutions are all accountable for their actions related to sexual harassment.
Each educational institution or organization that gets federal funding has to have at least one employee designated as the Title IX coordinator. Their job is to oversee the institution, and make sure that Title IX is not being violated. If an institution does not have this employee, or fails to make clear who they are, then they may be in violation of the law.
Title IX Sexual Harassment Guidelines In Higher Education
You should know that any educational institution or organization is also liable for any retaliation against a person that opposes any unlawful education practice or policy. This includes making charges, testifying, or filing complaints. For a recipient of these charges and complaints to retaliate is illegal under the ED Title IX regulations (Volume 34, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 106).
As a student, employee, or administrator, you should be aware of your rights related to education and sexual harassment.
For a free legal consultation, call 803-222-2222
South Carolina Sexual Harassment Discrimination Prohibitions
The South Carolina Human Affairs Commission prohibits sexual harassment as well. It states:
“It is unlawful to harass a person (an applicant or employee) because of that person’s sex. Harassment can include “sexual harassment” or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.”
If you have applied to, attend, or work, in any organization or institution that receives federal funds, and you think you’ve been discriminated against, contact the South Carolina sexual harassment lawyers at the Anastopoulo Law firm. You may be entitled to damages and compensation. Call us at 800-777-777 for a no-cost consultation.
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