Why Title IX Matters

Although it’s almost fifty years old, Title IX is as important as the day it was enacted. Why? Title IX prohibits sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination in educational programs, student services, admission, and recruitment. Most people associate Title IX with equality in women’s sports, but it covers so much more! Here’s why title IX matters:

Title IX Protects:

Title IX is a law under the Education Amendments of 1972 that 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 education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Title IX Prohibits:

  • conditioning education benefits on participation in unwelcome sexual conduct (i.e., quid pro quo); and/or
  • unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would determine is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offense that it effectively denies a person equal access to the school’s education program or activity; and/or
  • sexual assault (as defined in the Clery Act regulations), dating or domestic violence, or stalking as defined in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). 

In addition, Title IX also prohibits retaliation for filing a report or complaint.

Title IX Supports:

Most colleges and universities have a dedicated Title IX Coordinator that can offer support and resources to victims. Please feel free to reach out to Laurus College’s Title IX Coordinator, if you have any questions or concerns. All institutions receiving federal financial assistance are required to post information about Title IX and offer awareness campaigns. 

Overall, Title IX ensures equal access to programs and activities, but it doesn’t stop there. Preventing gender-based discrimination and harassment is ongoing! These are serious issues that impact millions of people worldwide. To bring attention to Sexual Assault Awareness Month, here are some statistics:

  • Every 68 seconds another American is sexually assaulted.
  • 1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime.
  • About 3% of American men—or 1 in 33—have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.
  • What was the survivor doing when the crime occurred?
    • 48% were sleeping, or performing another activity at home
    • 29% were traveling to and from work / school, or traveling to shop or run errands
    • 12% were working
    • 7% were attending school
    • 5% were doing an unknown or other activity

    *All statistics courtesy of RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network).

Sexual Assault Awareness Resources:

RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline – 24/7 Crisis Hotline:  1-800-656-HOPE (4673); RAINN, or Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, is a nationwide anti-sexual violence organization that provides free education, advocacy, and counseling around the issues of sexual violence. Online Chat: online.rainn.org; En Español: rainn.org/es

Lumina Alliance – 24 Hour Crisis and Information Hotline: 1-805-545-8888; Free interpretation is available in most languages, including American Sign Language (ASL). The Lumina Alliance aims to “empower those impacted by sexual and intimate partner violence through innovative advocacy, healing, and prevention programs.”

National Domestic Violence Hotline – 24/7 Crisis Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233); “The National Domestic Violence Hotline is another nationwide organization that provides free, confidential crisis counseling and advocacy. They offer crisis counseling to anyone experiencing domestic violence or intimate partner violence, offer resources and information, and general guidance.” Online Chat (5:00am – 12:00am PST).

VictimConnect Resource Center – 1-855-4-VICTIM (1-855-484-2846); “VictimConnect Resource Center (VCRC) is a weekday phone, chat, and text-based confidential referral helpline operated by the National Center for Victims of Crime.”

Questions? Please contact: Dr. Karen Edwards: 805-719-6562 karen.edwards@lauruscollege.edu