Title IX and Gender Equity

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities that receive federal assistance. The Title IX regulation describes the conduct that violates Title IX. Examples of the types of discrimination that are covered under title IX include sexual harassment, the failure to provide equal opportunity in athletics, and discrimination based on pregnancy. To enforce Title IX, the US Department of Education maintains an Office for Civil Rights, with headquarters in Washington, DC and 23 offices across the United States. Source: US Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights. (2015). Title IX and Sex Discrimination

In accordance to California Education Code 221.6, public schools that receive funds and are subject to the requirements of Title IX, shall post in a prominent and conspicuous location on their Internet websites all of the following:

The rights of a pupil and the public and the responsibilities of the school district under Title IX, which shall include, but shall not be limited to, Internet Web links to information about those rights and responsibilities located on the Internet Web sites of the department’s Office for Equal Opportunity and the United States Department of Education Office of Civil Rights, and the list of rights specified in Section 221.8.

1. US Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights
2. Office of US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
3. An overview of the Uniform Complaint Procedures may be found in the Gilroy Unified School District Board Policies, BP 1312.3 – Community Relations: Uniform Complaint Procedures. A description of how to file a complaint under Title IX, may be found under AR 1312.2 – Community Relations: Uniform Complaint Procedures. 
   
   Further information may be found through the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (click here). 

Education Code section 221.8 provides as follows:

The following list of rights, which are based on the relevant provisions of the federal regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1681 et seq.), may be used by the department for purposes of Section 221.6:

a. You have the right to fair and equitable treatment and you shall not be discriminated against based on your sex.

b. You have the right to be provided with an equitable opportunity to participate in all academic extracurricular activities, including athletics.

c. You have the right to inquire of the athletic director of your school as to the athletic opportunities offered by the school.

d. You have the right to apply for athletic scholarships.

e. You have the right to receive equitable treatment and benefits in the provision of all of the following:

• Equipment and supplies.
• Scheduling of games and practices.
• Transportation and daily allowances.
• Access to tutoring.
• Coaching.
• Locker rooms.
• Practice and competitive facilities.
• Medical and training facilities and services.
• Publicity.

f. You have the right to have access to a gender equity coordinator to answer questions regarding gender equity laws.

g. You have the right to contact the State Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation to access information on gender equity laws.

h. You have the right to file a confidential discrimination complaint with the United States Office of Civil Rights or the State Department of Education if you believe you have been discriminated against or if you believe you have received unequal treatment on the basis of your sex.

i. You have the right to pursue civil remedies if you have been discriminated against.

j. You have the right to be protected against retaliation if you file a discrimination complaint.

 

United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights

• Complaint Forms Overview
• Complaint Form
• Contact Information: (800) 421-3481 or ocr@ed.gov

California Department of Education’s Office for Equal Opportunity