Experienced Solutions for All Title IX Needs

BROOKSLAW LLC is a full-service legal practice that offers tailored solutions for all Title IX needs. We represent college and university students in all aspects of campus Title IX proceedings and assist institutions of higher education with training, legal compliance, and internal investigations. With more than fourteen years of combined litigation and investigative experience in higher education and criminal prosecution, our experience is unmatched. From the classroom to the courtroom and just about anywhere in between, BROOKSLAW LLC has the expertise to help with your Title IX needs.

To learn more about how we can help you, visit our practice areas or contact us today to have your case evaluated. To learn more about Title IX, please review the information included below.

What is Title IX?

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities. Title IX benefits both males and females and requires educational institutions to maintain policies, practices and programs that do not discriminate against anyone based on sex. Programs and activities which may be included are: admissions, recruitment, financial aid, academic programs, athletics, housing and employment. Title IX was the first comprehensive federal law to prohibit sex discrimination against students and employees of educational institutions.

Title IX & Sexual Misconduct

Under Title IX, sexual misconduct, which includes sexual harassment and sexual violence, is considered a form of discrimination and is therefore prohibited. Sexual violence includes such acts as rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, and sexual coercion.

Colleges and universities must have policies that prohibit sexual misconduct and procedures that enable students to file complaints, have their complaints be investigated by neutral about sexual harassment and effective procedures to appropriately address sexual assault and harassment complaints. Effective school responses should include access to counseling and other health services for the student, thorough and fair investigations of complaints and steps to ensure the student has the opportunity to complete her education program.

Schools must have procedures in place to enable students to make complaints about sexual misconduct and an effective process for them to address those complaints. Schools have an obligation under Title IX to ensure that student survivors of sexual assault or harassment can continue their education programs and do not have to experience a hostile environment. When the school knows or reasonably should know about harassment or assault, the school must take prompt and effective steps to end the sexual harassment, eliminate the hostile environment, prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effects.

Who does Title IX apply to?

Title IX applies to all educational institutions, both public and private, that receive federal funds. Almost all private colleges and universities must abide by Title IX regulations because they receive federal funding through federal financial aid programs used by their students.

What school levels are covered by Title IX?

Title IX protects students, faculty and staff in federally funded education programs. Title IX applies to all elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities. It also applies to programs and activities affiliated with schools that receive federal funds (such as internships or School-to-Work programs) and to federally funded education programs run by other entities such as correctional facilities, health care entities, unions and businesses. Put simply, Title IX applies to almost all educational institutions and federally funded education programs.

Who is responsible for enforcing Title IX?

Every school, by law, is required to designate a Title IX Coordinator. Contact information for the Title IX Coordinator must be readily available to school faculty, staff and students. When a complaint is made alleging a form of Title IX prohibited discrimination, it is the Title IX coordinator’s responsibility to assess the facts and determine how to proceed. Whether the allegation is formally investigated or concludes by way of informal resolution, schools can still offer interim measures, which sometimes are extended even after the matter has closed. An example of an interim measure is directing the parties to have no contact with each other.

BROOKSLAW LLC also supports colleges and universities through various services designed specifically for institutions of higher learning. Our experience includes conducting campus investigations, writing extensive investigative reports, facilitating trainings for students, staff, and faculty, conducting compliance, policy and process reviews and providing regular legal updates. At BROOKSLAW LLC, we know colleges and universities are inundated with challenging responsibilities. Let us help you. Click here to learn more about our available services.

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