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Title IX and Sex Discrimination

Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. Title IX 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 subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance[.]” All federal agencies that provide grants of financial assistance are required to enforce Title IX’s nondiscrimination mandate. ED gives grants of financial assistance to schools and colleges and to certain other entities, including vocational rehabilitation programs and libraries.

Examples of the types of discrimination that are covered under Title IX include but are not limited to: sex-based harassment; sexual violence; pregnancy discrimination; the failure to provide equal athletic opportunity; sex-based discrimination in a school’s science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses and programs; discriminatory application of dress code policies and/or enforcement; and retaliation.

Sex Discrimination: Overview of the Law

View information about Title IX regulations, including recent amendments for 2024.

Sex Discrimination and Title IX FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about sex discrimination and Title IX.

Case Resolutions Regarding Sex Discrimination

View case resolutions that address Title IX civil rights concerns.

Civil Rights Reading Room

Find publications and other materials that set forth the rights of students and others to be free from discrimination.

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File a Complaint

Learn more about how to file a complaint if you believe you have been discriminated or retaliated against on the basis of sex or gender by a covered entity.

 

How to file a complaint

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Office of Communications and Outreach (OCO)
Page Last Reviewed:
October 9, 2024