Representitive Patsy Mink of Hawaii, is recognized as the major author and sponsor of the bill
What is Title IX?
Title IX of the 1972 educational amendments under the US Department of Education 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.”
Title IX supports the unquestionable truth that the fear of perverse sexual harassment or assault threatens the educational opportunities and ability to participate of those targeted. The implementation and enforcement of this law should be of the utmost priority. However, Title IX is only one step in what should be a long journey to make our schools safer for all that attend them.
Why Title IX
Title IX, along with other immensely important civil rights laws, protects students and employees of schools that receive federal funding.
Discrimination on the basis of sex within a school system not only distracts the student body from the fundamental purpose of school but also is incredibly harmful to the one(s) facing such discrimination.
A child who is threatened with harassment in math class may not attend. A child scared to walk through the hallway may not come to school. A child who reports their abuse, but sees nothing done within the school system, may become disillusioned with education and the teachers that are meant to protect them. Not all students want or can pursue the criminal justice avenue (often expensive, lengthy, and re-traumatizing). They simply do not want to sit with their abuser in math class or see them in the hallways. All students deserve and are entitled to the federally protected civil rights promised by Title IX.
Resources
The best way to get involved is to educate yourself. Here are some places to get started
Know Your IX
This is an amazing resource that was put together by the activist group pioneering public outreach and education around Title IX. This can be a quick read, but as you poke around on the website, you can find a lot of amazing info and more sources!
Equal Rights Organization
Title IX Guide - A clear guide that describes most aspects of Title IX, including the laws, experience, outcomes, case studies, and a “know your rights” portion. It is a thorough but easily comprehensible source.
MMA Title IX Article
A quick read published by the Massachusetts Municipal Association. This discusses the new requirements of school districts under the 2020 Title IX regulations. After President Trump reversed Biden’s regulations and reinstated the 2020 regulations, it is still relevant.