Title IX for Students: Not Just for Colleges

Congruence Law, P.C. Represents K–12 and College Students Facing Sexual Harassment, Assault, and Gender-Based Discrimination

Title IX isn’t just about college sports or university sexual misconduct investigations—it’s a federal civil rights law that protects all students from sex-based discrimination in any school or educational program that receives federal funding, including public K–12 schools.

When schools ignore harassment, fail to act on reports of sexual violence, or retaliate against students for speaking up, they violate Title IX—and the law provides remedies.

At Congruence Law, P.C., we advocate for students from elementary school to graduate school who have faced discrimination, harassment, or assault. We help families and survivors assert their rights, hold schools accountable, and demand a safe and equal learning environment.

What Does Title IX Protect Against?

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination “on the basis of sex” in education. This includes:

• Sexual harassment or assault by students or school employees

• Unequal treatment based on gender or gender identity

• Failure to prevent or respond to peer harassment

• Retaliation for reporting misconduct or supporting another student’s complaint

• Gender-based dress code enforcement or differential discipline

• Exclusion from programs, sports, or opportunities based on sex or pregnancy

The law applies in classrooms, hallways, buses, school trips, locker rooms, and virtual learning environments.

Title IX Protections for LGBTQ+ and Nonbinary Students

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County (2020), the U.S. Department of Education has clarified that Title IX includes protections for students based on gender identity and sexual orientation. That means:

➤ Misgendering, outing, or denying bathroom access may constitute Title IX violations

➤ LGBTQ+ students have the right to participate in programs consistent with their identity

➤ Schools cannot remain passive when students are harassed for their gender expression

What Schools Must Do Under Title IX

➤ Respond Promptly and Equitably. Schools must investigate reports of harassment or discrimination and take steps to stop it, prevent recurrence, and remedy the harm.

➤ Provide Supportive Measures. Interim actions like schedule changes, counseling, or safety plans must be available without requiring a formal complaint.

➤ Ensure Due Process in Discipline. Both complainants and respondents are entitled to fair treatment and access to information during any investigation or disciplinary proceeding.

➤ Appoint a Title IX Coordinator. Every school district and college must have a designated official to handle Title IX compliance.

Signs of a Title IX Violation

• The school ignored or dismissed a report of sexual harassment or assault

• Staff blamed or shamed the student for the incident

• No investigation was conducted—or it was clearly biased

• The school failed to offer support (e.g., counseling, class adjustments)

• The student was disciplined, removed, or retaliated against after reporting

• LGBTQ+ students are singled out or denied access to equal participation

What We Do at Congruence Law, P.C.

We provide trauma-informed, strategic legal support for students and families navigating Title IX challenges:

• Filing Title IX complaints with the school or U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

• Representing students in investigations, hearings, and appeals

• Demanding interim measures to ensure safety and prevent academic disruption

• Pursuing civil claims for monetary damages when harm results from gross misconduct or retaliation

• Advising LGBTQ+ students and families facing targeted harassment or institutional discrimination

We understand the emotional toll of these cases—and the need for privacy, sensitivity, and strong advocacythroughout.

What Schools Get Wrong—and How We Push Back

“We don’t think it was serious enough to investigate.”→ Title IX requires schools to investigate all reports of sexual harassment that could create a hostile environment.

“He said it was consensual.”→ Credibility determinations must follow a fair process—not assumptions or staff bias.

“We handled it internally.”→ Internal discipline is not a substitute for a Title IX investigation and required support.

“She needs to transfer if she feels unsafe.”→ The burden must never fall on the victim. Schools must protect access to education.

Pitfalls to Avoid

• Delaying your report. Title IX has no formal statute of limitations, but timely reporting improves remedies.

• Letting the school discourage you. You have the right to report to the school and to OCR—and to legal counsel.

• Failing to document retaliation. Save emails, grades, and witness statements to support your claim.

• Settling for silence. You can request privacy—but you don’t have to stay quiet.

Why Choose Congruence Law, P.C.

We believe that no student should fear school because of their gender, identity, or trauma. We fight to ensure that Title IX is more than a policy—it’s a shield, a remedy, and a promise.

If you or your child have experienced sex-based harassment or retaliation in school, contact us today:

education@congruencelaw.com or at 202-630-8141

Let us help you reclaim your right to safety, dignity, and equal access to education.