Why We Need to Educate Students About Title IX

During my sophomore year of high school, an incident with a boy in my grade severely disrupted my life. Fearing that videos and pictures might circulate, I told a trusted adult. Although I was promised anonymity if I spoke up about what happened, I received little support from school staff. Like most students in this situation, I was looking for control and autonomy. Instead, the experience left me alienated, afraid, and at one of the lowest points I’ve ever been emotionally, physically, and mentally.

I was also never informed of my Title IX rights or the services provided by a Title IX Coordinator or offered supportive measures. Title IX, the federal civil rights law passed in 1972 to protect students from sex-based discrimination, has shaped the landscape of gender equity in education and athletics.

If I had known about my rights under Title IX and the role of the Title IX Coordinator, I would have been spared the stress and trauma I endured. This knowledge would have drastically changed my mental and physical health during this time and reduced the incident’s impact on both me and my peers. But if you are a student in the 21st century, if you are even aware of what Title IX is, you probably know that Title IX education and effective enforcement often do not occur.

Eventually, I became involved with Stop Sexual Assault in Schools (SSAIS) and their SASH Club (Students Against Sexual Harassment) project. As a student passionate about equality and social justice, I was eager to engage and educate people on Title IX protections. I recently participated in a youth panel webinar, “What Does Title IX Mean for Students Today?” co-hosted by SSAIS, the Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health (MOASH), and I Have The Right To. We were joined by Susan Moen, a confidential advocate working with youth around Title IX issues.

At the prep meeting for this panel, one student remarked, “You are so brave for sharing your story.” I have always felt a certain irony hearing this. I’ve never felt nervous or ashamed to share a story that may impact how another person views their own experience with Title IX or sexual assault.

During the panel, I learned that my experience was not unique. Not one student had been taught about Title IX before graduating high school. They became aware of Title IX only after they or a friend experienced sexual harassment or assault or because they had become involved with outside organizations dedicated to spreading awareness about laws like Title IX. We agreed that Title IX education needs to begin early, even in elementary school. That’s because comments about a child’s gender identity can be a form of sex discrimination, and young children also experience sexual harassment and assault in schools.

One of my fellow panelists, Jamey, captured the essence of our discussion: “If you don't know your rights, you might not know if they're being violated.” For example, students have the right to decide whether they want to participate in an investigation of sexual harassment and to what extent. The affected student is still entitled to supportive measures and accommodations. This is true even if the school determines the harassment is unfounded. Being informed of our rights allows us to support peers when they turn to us for advice.

It was amazing to see young people come together to spread awareness about a law with the potential to help so many people. Participating in the youth webinar on Title IX was an eye-opening experience that served as a stark reminder of how much work is left to be done in schools to educate their students on Title IX and their rights. It reinforced the importance of advocacy and education among young people and within the education system. Although it may be disheartening to look at the lack of support and education from schools, it is inspiring to look toward the young voices pioneering a new wave of advocacy to protect themselves and their peers. It made me feel so special to be invited to participate in this panel with national reach.

You can listen to the youth panel here. You can also learn about your Title IX rights, Title IX Coordinators, Title IX in 2024, your school’s Title IX policies, and the reporting process with toolkits on the Stop Sexual Assault in Schools website. SASH Club offers a new way to combat sexual harassment through peer education. To reach me or for more information, write sashclub@ssais.org