Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities receiving federal funding.

The new regulations, which took effect in [insert effective date], provide clearer guidelines on how schools must respond to allegations of sexual harassment and assault, including requirements for investigations, hearings, and support for victims.

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that affects a student's education or creates a hostile environment. This can include unwanted advances, sexual assault, and other forms of misconduct.

Schools must promptly investigate allegations, provide supportive measures to both the complainant and the accused, and follow a fair process for adjudication.

Supportive measures are non-disciplinary, non-punitive services offered to students to help them continue their education and ensure their safety, such as counseling, adjustments to class schedules, or increased monitoring.

Not necessarily. Schools must evaluate the circumstances and may choose to implement supportive measures without a formal investigation if the complainant does not wish to pursue one.

The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the school’s compliance with Title IX, including handling reports of sexual harassment and ensuring that investigations and processes are conducted fairly.

The new regulations mandate that schools provide the accused with the right to be informed of the allegations, access to evidence, the opportunity to present witnesses, and the right to appeal decisions.

Investigations must be impartial and thorough, allowing both parties to present evidence and witnesses. Schools are encouraged to use trained investigators and may use a live hearing process in certain cases.

Schools can choose between the "preponderance of the evidence" standard (more likely than not) or the "clear and convincing evidence" standard, but must consistently apply the chosen standard across all cases.

Yes, schools that do not comply with Title IX regulations can face legal consequences, including loss of federal funding and lawsuits from affected individuals.

Students can report incidents through their school’s Title IX Coordinator, school counselors, or designated reporting systems, which should be clearly communicated by the school.

Schools should provide access to counseling services, hotlines, and legal resources, and can connect students to local or national organizations that specialize in supporting survivors.

Parents can attend school meetings, review school policies on Title IX, and communicate with the Title IX Coordinator to understand how their child’s school handles these issues.