“Just ignore him.”

As an intern at NWLC, I am struck by the fact that I didn’t know about Title IX before this experience, yet it could have affected my life. I hope that my story can help others become aware of this important law.

My 6th grade year was marred by bullying and harassment based on sex. Had my parents or I known about Title IX’s protection of students from sexual harassment, the outcome of this experience could have been drastically different.

Early that year, as I walked through a crowded hall, a boy squeezed my butt. He and his friends laughed at my horrified expression as they ran down the hall. I was 11 and felt confused and ashamed. My mom urged me to tell the principal, which I did. I didn’t know the boy, and though I tried to identify him with pictures, nothing ever happened.

At the school dance a few weeks later, his friends called me a “slut,” and “snitch” for telling on him. I cried in the bathroom and tried to pull my skirt down further on my legs. I spent the year fearing the 8th grade hall, where this boy and his cronies would lean against the lockers, calling girls “whore” and “slut” as they walked past. I would take circuitous routes to avoid this boy and his friends. A teacher told me to “just ignore” them. Somehow, the burden was on me to avoid it, instead of on the boys to stop harassing. The environment was very unwelcoming.

Had my parents and I known about my rights under Title IX, this harassment might not have gone on for so long. The principal seemed to want to help, but no solution was ever reached – and I think that having knowledge of Title IX might have made a difference. It would have helped not only me, but also the other girls affected by this behavior.

This year, on the 40th anniversary of Title IX, I enjoy celebrating Title IX’s achievements. More and more people are learning about Title IX’s protections, and that’s exactly what we need, so that no student in school feels uncomfortable or afraid.