Title IX of the federal Education Amendments Of 1972 is the major federal statute prohibiting sex discrimination in education. Title IX is primarily known for its impact on gender equality in sports, but it also extends to other areas of education.

Title IX 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 educational program or activity receiving federal assistance.”

Under Title IX, schools are required to provide equal opportunities and treatment for both male and female students. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, academic programs, counseling, financial aid, student housing, and athletics. Schools must ensure that there is no discrimination based on sex in any of these areas.

Title IX Overview Questions

Generally all Delaware public schools and institutions of higher education receiving federal funding are required to adhere to Title IX. There are some private schools that do not receive any federal assistance, and Title IX does not apply to them.

Anyone who participates in an educational program, service or activity with a Federally funded entity is protected by Title IX. This includes students, parents and guardians, visitors, and employees.

Yes. All school districts receiving federal financial assistance must designate at least one employee to coordinate their efforts to comply with and carry out their responsibilities under Title IX. This person is often referred to as a Title IX coordinator and contact information can be found on every school, district and charter’s report card site. School’s are required to publish Title IX coordinator’s contact information in its handbooks and catalogs for students, employees, applicants, parents and guardians, and unions or professional organizations. The Title IX coordinator’s contact information must also be prominently posted on your school’s website.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) explains that anyone can file a Title IX complaint with the OCR. This includes students, school employees, or a person or organization who is filing on behalf of a victim of sex discrimination. To file a complaint through a school, you will need to follow the school’s policies and procedures.

If you are unable to get an appropriate response from your school’s Title IX authority or you do not wish to file your complaint with school officials for whatever reason, you may also file a complaint directly with the OCR. The complaint may be filed online, or by mail, email, or fax. You can use the form provided by the OCR or write your own letter describing the alleged discrimination.

DDOE does not handle complaints for school districts, but rather connects complainants to the Title IX Coordinator in the appropriate school or school district and provides contact information for the Office of Civil Rights (OCR).

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