Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 forbids discrimination on the basis of gender in any educational program that receives federal funding. This includes all public schools, most colleges and universities, and many private schools.
Title IX requires schools to provide equal resources and opportunities to athletic activities for both genders. This means schools should spend equal money on sports teams for males and females, for instance.
Sexual harassment includes sexual comments and propositions as well as physical contact. Title IX prohibits sexual harassment in schools and requires schools to address sexual harassment if it does occur. Most states also have laws prohibiting sexual harassment in schools.
While schools must permit all students to enroll in vocational training programs, the American Bar Association notes that females are more likely to enroll in programs like cosmetology while males are more like to enroll in programs like electronics. The Bar Association suggests this is not because females are not interested in electronics but due to stereotyping, “guidance” from school staff and even sexual harassment.
If you believe you or your child have been discriminated against in an educational setting on the basis of gender, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights. The complaint must be filed with the office that serves your state. Call 800-421-3481 to get the address.