Title IX - Sex Discrimination

Title IX Statute

Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §§ 1681–1683, and 1685 – 1686) is a federal civil-rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs and activities of institutions that receive federal financial assistance. Title IX expands on the non-discrimination principles established by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Section 1681 of the Title IX statute 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 protects students and employees of educational institutions from sex discrimination, sexual harassment (which includes sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking), and retaliation. The statute applies to all the programs and activities of an educational institution that supported by federal funds, regardless of which program receives the federal financial assistance.

Under Title IX, educational institutions must establish policies and procedures for addressing and resolving complaints of sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other discrimination incidents based on sex.

Title IX Compliance

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) is committed to maintaining a safe and nondiscriminatory environment in all its programs and activities that involve education, and to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation, denied benefits, or is otherwise subjected to discrimination on the basis of their sex.

Filing a Complaint

Individuals who wish to report a grievance about sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, or any other inappropriate sexual conduct may file a complaint with H-GAC’s Title IX Coordinator. The complaint must be submitted in writing and clearly describe the allegations, including the precise date, location of the events, and the identities of the parties involved.

Once a complaint is received, a thorough investigation will be promptly initiated, typically within 5 business days. Throughout the process, the complainant shall be given appropriate supportive measures and protected from retaliation.

Upon completion of the investigation, the Title IX coordinator shall conclude whether a civil rights violation has occurred and recommend appropriate action. All parties shall receive formal notification of the investigation’s findings, accompanied by a specified deadline for appealing the decision. If no appeal is filed within the deadline, the decision becomes final.

Click the link below to file a Title IX complaint.