Title IX Regulations Regarding Sexual Harrassment

Title IX states simply: “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.” Regulations first promulgated after the passage of the law addressed the prohibition of sex discrimination in hiring, admissions, and athletics, among other things. Although the rules did not address sexual harassment as a form of sex-based discrimination, court decisions and guidance documents from the U.S. Department of Education held that sexual harassment was also covered under the law. On August 14, 2020, regulations implementing Title IX went into effect, defining sexual harassment and setting forth requirements for preventing and responding to sexual harassment. 

The Department of Education released new Title IX regulations on April 19, 2024. However, the 2024 Regulations were vacated by a federal district court on January 9, 2025. CSI schools must now ensure compliance with the 2020 regulations. CSI schools should work with their legal counsel to understand the regulations, ensure school policies and procedures are compliant, and train staff.