Sexual Harassment & Assault
What is Title IX (Title 9)?
Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity.
Though the implications are complex and thoroughly explored in countless pages of guidance materials, discussion, and legal precedence, the essence of Title IX itself is short: “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”. This is true for PK-12 schools as well as colleges.
Though the implications are complex and thoroughly explored in countless pages of guidance materials, discussion, and legal precedence, the essence of Title IX itself is short: “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”. This is true for PK-12 schools as well as colleges.
TITLE IX ADDRESSES SEXUAL MISCONDUCT IN A BROAD STROKE BY PROHIBITING SEXUAL VIOLENCE, RAPE, HARASSMENT, EXHIBITIONISM, THREATS, AND ABUSE.
- Title IX prohibits sexual discrimination (protects men and women equally).
- Title IX protects from discrimination on the basis of the individual’s PERCEIVED gender, not their anatomical sex. Thus, transgender and bisexual students won’t be turned away from receiving the protection Title IX guarantees.
- Sexual Harassment is: “ Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, AND objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the District’s education program or activity."
- Sexual harassment under Title IX may include – dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, inappropriate touch without consent, use of sexualized language or gestures, disrobing, etc. that is“severe, pervasive, AND objectively offensive”
Complainant: The person (or guardian of the person) who makes the complaint.
Respondent: The person (or guardian of the person) who is responding to the complaint made by the complainant.
***Retaliation for making a report of Sexual Harassment is illegal.**
Concerns related to Title IX may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator:
The Title IX Coordinator serves in a neutral role and supports all members of the MTSD community. They respond to disclosures of sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct in the MTSD community. The Coordinator is also aware that your concerns may be of a sensitive nature and can offer supportive measures to help you continue with your work or studies while maintaining appropriate discretion.
Contacting your Title IX Coordinator is not the same as filing a formal complaint. Instead, the Coordinator is a resource to help you make an informed decision about which pathways are right for you. If you decide to file a formal complaint, the Title IX Coordinator will assist you in making that report.