Frequently Asked Questions About the History of Title IX in College Park
Congress passed Title IX in 1972 in response to the inequalities that women seeking a college education often faced. Prior to Title IX’s enactment, colleges and universities excluded women from access to educational programs. During this era, educational institutions set quotas for admitting women and sometimes prohibited them from attending altogether.
In keeping with the history of Title IX, educational institutions today must have procedures in place to prevent sex-based discrimination. They must also investigate all reported instances of sexual harassment between students or between a student and a faculty member.
If you are currently facing a Title IX charge in College Park, it could be helpful to know the system’s history. An experienced lawyer could explain the details of these regulations and work to safeguard your rights throughout the process of your investigation.
What is Title IX?
Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based upon sex, including discrimination based on gender identity or non-gender identity orientation, in educational programs, activities, and services at educational institutions. To qualify, the educational institution must receive federal financial assistance.
Additionally, Title IX schools are required to take appropriate steps to prevent sex-based harassment and assault – and to respond quickly and effectively when sexual harassment or assault allegations arise.
What has been the Impact of Title IX?
All students at federal aid receiving institutions receive the same protections under Title IX, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, race, or national origin. Every student also has access to all educational programs and activities offered at the institution. Title IX has helped minimize gender-based discrimination at many learning institutions.
Does Title IX Only Apply To Girls and Women?
Title IX protects girls, boys, women, and men from discrimination at any school that receives federal financial assistance. It also mandates that educational institutions keep policies in place not to discriminate against anyone based on their gender. Throughout the history of Title IX, protecting women has been of the utmost importance, since before its enactment, women faced greater gender restrictions and barriers in education.
Does Title IX Impact Student Scholarships?
With regard to financial aid allocation, Title IX requires schools that provide awards, athletic scholarships, or grants-in-aid to give reasonable opportunities to members of any sex, in proportion to the number of students of each sex participating in interscholastic or intercollegiate athletics. Title IX does allow for separate but equal athletic scholarships, or grants for members of the opposite sex, so long as the school follows the rule of proportion.
The History of Title IX and its Relationship to Current University and Criminal Proceedings
Historically, if a student or employee feels that a Title IX violation has occurred, they have the right to take legal action against the institution. Title IX prohibits the institution from retaliating against the student or employee who has asserted an allegation. Furthermore, if a student makes a sexual harassment complaint against another student or a faculty member, the educational institution must investigate the claim.
Following the university proceedings, if the allegations are deemed true, then the accused student could face suspension, expulsion, and other academic penalties. A criminal investigation might also ensue.
The history of Title IX dictates that students’ rights in College Park remain protected at all times. If you are facing a Title IX charge, call an experienced lawyer as soon as possible to assist you with your case.