Title IX FAQs

You may have heard of Title IX. But what exactly is it? How might it apply to your legal situation? 

If you need help with a Title IX issue and you're in the Columbus, Ohio area, including neighboring areas like Dublin, Westerville, Gahanna, Hilliard, or surrounding counties like Licking County, Fairfield County, or Delaware County, contact an attorney right away. At Wolf & Mote Law Group, LLC, a team of skilled lawyers is here to help you move forward. 

Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about Title IX.  

What Is Title IX?

Title IX is a federal law that, among other things, prohibits sex discrimination in schools and other institutions that receive federal funding.  

Title IX was signed into law in 1972 and, according to the US Department of Education, "... applies to schools, local and state educational agencies, and other institutions that receive federal financial assistance from the Department. These recipients include approximately 17,600 local school districts, over 5,000 postsecondary institutions, and charter schools, for-profit schools, libraries, and museums." 

If an institution receives federal funding, it is required to follow the standards of Title IX. Such standards include protections against sexual harassment, as well as sexual violence, student misconduct, professor misconduct, stalking, and dating violence. 

If you've been accused of a Title IX violation, it's important to take the allegations seriously. The consequences of a Title IX violation can be severe and could include suspension or expulsion from school. It's important to contact a lawyer who has experience with Title IX cases as soon as possible.  

What Are Common Title IX Cases?

One of the most common Title IX cases is sexual harassment, which includes unwanted sexual advances, harassment based on gender identity or sexual orientation, and sexual assault.  

Another common Title IX case is gender-based discrimination in athletics, including discrimination in the selection process, resources, and coaching.  

Title IX also covers gender-based violence, such as stalking and domestic violence.  

Finally, Title IX covers pregnant and parenting students, requiring educational institutions to grant reasonable accommodations to accommodate their needs. 

Who Is Protected by Title IX?

It is important to know who is protected by Title IX, aside from students and staff in post-secondary institutions.  

Title IX also covers students in elementary and secondary schools, regardless of age, sex, or gender. It includes transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals and prohibits discrimination based on sex stereotypes.  

The coverage is extensive. In fact, even visitors or guests to an educational institution can receive Title IX protection if they have experienced gender-based discrimination. 

What Is Sex Discrimination?

Sexual discrimination refers to differential treatment, or the creation of a hostile environment, based on sex or gender. This can come in many forms, from unwanted touching to verbal abuse.  

Title IX applies to academic campuses, the workplace, and any program that receives federal funding. You should contact a Title IX attorney immediately if you have faced any of these scenarios or if you have been accused of violating Title IX. 

What Do I Do If I’ve Been a Victim?

Once you've been victimized, it's crucial to take timely action to ensure you're able to protect your rights and gain accountability. But how do you move forward, especially in relation to Title IX? 

If you've suffered harassment or abuse, speak out immediately. Tell a school administrator, manager, or supervisor. Immediately contacting a Title IX attorney is also a smart idea, as the attorney will be familiar with the guidelines set under this act. 

You can also file a formal Title IX complaint, which will trigger an internal investigation by the institution. During this process, an attorney can assist you in ensuring the institution performs its investigation correctly. 

What Are the Time Limits to File?

You typically have 180 days from the moment the discrimination occurred to file a complaint with the institution in question.  

If you're unable to do this, you can still contact a criminal defense attorney who can help guide and assist you further under the act. The attorney can help you ensure that the institution is held accountable despite the timeline and other possible defenses.  

It's important to be aware that Title IX complaints can be amended to include new allegations or additional retaliation. Therefore, acting fast to get legal assistance can help you ensure that everything is handled correctly, without the clock ticking against you. 

How Can an Attorney Help?

If you believe your rights under Title IX have been violated, it is important to seek legal guidance from an experienced attorney.  

Your attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate the school's internal complaint process and possible penalties, and advocate for your interests throughout the legal process.  

They can also help you pursue legal remedies, such as filing a complaint with the Department of Education or pursuing a civil lawsuit against the school or the individual(s) responsible for the violation. 

Dependable Legal Guidance

Wolf & Mote Law Group, LLC has always advocated for protecting the rights of students, faculty, and staff under Title IX. Their attorneys have the experience and knowledge to help you navigate this complex area of the law, whether you need help filing a complaint, advocating for your interests, or pursuing legal remedies. 

If you live in Columbus, Ohio, or any of the surrounding areas (such as Lancaster or Dublin), be sure to reach out to a local legal team as soon as possible.