Title IX Prohibits Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence in Public Schools

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 ("Title IX"), 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities. All public and private elementary and secondary schools, school districts, colleges, and universities (hereinafter "schools") receiving any Federal funds must comply with Title IX. Under Title IX, discrimination on the basis of sex can include sexual harassment or sexual violence, such as rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, and sexual coercion.

Federal law requires that schools have and distribute a policy that prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex and acts of sexual violence. In compliance with Title IX, it is the policy of the Jackson-Madison County School System to maintain a learning and work environment free from discrimination and harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex, and disability. The Jackson-Madison County Board of Education adopted Policy 6.3401 that defines sexual harassment and outlines the policies and procedures that the District follows in identifying, investigating, and responding to allegations of sexual harassment.