What is Title IX?

Title IX is the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination — including sexual harassment and sexual violence — in any educational or athletic program or service of a federally funded school. The law 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 subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.“

- Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 to the 1964 Civil Rights Act

Who does Title IX apply to?

Title IX (and our policy, HOOP Policy 59 – Prohibition of Sexual Harassment & Sexual Misconduct) applies to all members of the university community regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Title IX and HOOP 59 apply to both students and employees, including faculty. This means that all members of the university community are expected to adhere to the standards outlined in our policy, and are afforded the same rights and protections against sexual misconduct.

How does Title IX protect pregnant and/or parenting students?

Title IX provides for equal educational opportunities for pregnant and parenting students. It prohibits educational institutions from discriminating against pregnant students based upon their marital status and cannot discriminate against a student because of pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, or recovery from related conditions.

Pregnant lady

More information about protections for pregnant and parenting students from the Department of Education can be found here: