What is Title IX? Facts about the 1972 civil rights law

Don’t miss the full story from our staff writer Val Richardson, whose reporting is the basis of this AI-assisted article.

The Trump administration’s Department of Education emphasizes a return to what officials call the “true purpose” of Title IX, focusing specifically on sex-based protections for women and girls in educational settings while rolling back previous expansions that included gender identity protections.

Facts about Title IX:

• Federal civil rights law: Title IX is a 1972 federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in education.

• Educational protection: It bans sex-based discrimination in all educational activities and programs that receive federal funding.

• Women’s rights focus: Originally designed to ensure equal educational opportunities for women and girls.

• Sports protections: Guarantees women equal opportunity in athletics and sports programs.

• Safe spaces: Protects sex-segregated intimate spaces, including bathrooms, locker rooms and living accommodations.

• Greek Life coverage: Extends to sororities and fraternities, maintaining single-sex membership practices.

• Harassment prevention: Requires schools to protect students from sex-based harassment and sexual assault.

• Federal funding tie: Schools that receive federal funding must comply with Title IX requirements or risk losing financial support.

• Enforcement mechanism: Includes investigation and enforcement powers through the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.

Read more: Education Secretary Linda McMahon: June is now ’Title IX Month’