Sexual Harassment & Bullying

Title IX is the federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in schools that receive federal funding.  Sexual harassment and sexual violence are both forms of prohibited sex discrimination in schools, and much of what we might call “bullying” is actually prohibited harassment.  Since Title IX became law in 1972, NWLC has worked hard to ensure that women and girls are able to learn in an environment that is free from sexual harassment and violence—from reaching a historic settlement for a client who was sexually assaulted on campus to testifying before a federal commission on civil rights and bullying and harassment, participating in important Supreme Court cases, and speaking out against sexual assault on campus.

Resources for Students, Parents, & Educators:

Recent Cases & Legislation:

Highlights

Fact Sheet | Title IX Protections from Bullying and Harassment in Schools: FAQs for LGBT or Gender Nonconforming Students and Their Families

October 11, 2012

Under Title IX, you have a right to be protected from sex-based harassment in school.  This fact sheet answers frequently asked questions from LGBT and gender nonconforming students about how Title IX and other laws can be used to make them safer in schools.

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Fact Sheet | The Next Generation of Title IX: Harassment and Bullying Based on Sex

June 13, 2012

Title IX is about much more than sports.  In this fact sheet, we look at the protection Title IX offers from harassment and bullying based on gender and gender stereotypes.  The fact sheet also addresses cyberbullying, and looks ahead to next steps in strengthening Title IX's anti-harassment mandates.

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Fact Sheet | Cyberbullying and Sexual Harassment: FAQs about Cyberbullying and Title IX

February 10, 2012

This fact sheet answers some of the most common questions from students, parents and educators about cyberbullying and sexual harassment. For example: What is cyberbullying? Can cyberbullying also be sexual harassment? Must schools respond to cyberbullying?

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Fact Sheet | Pregnancy Harassment Is Sexual Harassment: FAQs About Title IX and Pregnancy Harassment

January 17, 2012

This fact sheet answers common questions about sexual harassment and pregnancy.  Harassment because of pregnancy, any related medical conditions, or recovery therefrom, is always sex discrimination.  If you’re experiencing harassment because you’re pregnant or have been pregnant, Title IX can protect you.  Title IX prohibits other types of pregnancy discrimination too (such as not excusing pregnancy-related absences).

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More Resources

Infographics and Internet Memes | Nine Fast Facts About Sexual Assault and Title IX

April 26, 2013

Want to know more about sexual assault and Title IX?  Here are nine fast facts.

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Legal Briefs & Testimony | National Women's Law Center Files Title Ix Lawsuit for Failure to Respond to Sexual Assault

April 18, 2013

The National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), together with the Michigan law firm Smietanka, Buckleitner, Steffes and Gezon, filed a Title IX lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan against the Forest Hills School District outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan for failing to respond to the sexual assault of a high school student on school premises and the subsequent cyber-bullying and on-campus harassment suffered by the teenage girl.  

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Fact Sheet | Student Non-Discrimination Act

April 17, 2013

This fact sheet explains the Student Non-Discrimination Act and how it would provide protections to students who are or are perceived to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer.

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Fact Sheet | Title IX Protections from Bullying and Harassment in Schools: FAQs for LGBT or Gender Nonconforming Students and Their Families

October 11, 2012

Under Title IX, you have a right to be protected from sex-based harassment in school.  This fact sheet answers frequently asked questions from LGBT and gender nonconforming students about how Title IX and other laws can be used to make them safer in schools.

 Read more...

Fact Sheet | The Next Generation of Title IX: Harassment and Bullying Based on Sex

June 13, 2012

Title IX is about much more than sports.  In this fact sheet, we look at the protection Title IX offers from harassment and bullying based on gender and gender stereotypes.  The fact sheet also addresses cyberbullying, and looks ahead to next steps in strengthening Title IX's anti-harassment mandates.

 Read more...