The federal law aimed at protecting college students from sexual abuse
Title IX is a federal law that mandates universities to investigate sexual assault reports and ensure a safe educational environment. The law operates independently of criminal proceedings, focusing on campus safety and access to education rather than criminal guilt.
Why it matters
Understanding Title IX is crucial for navigating the legal and administrative processes surrounding sexual assault allegations within the U.S. higher education system.
When colleges receive reports of sexual assault on a student, a federal law dating back to 1972 is supposed to ensure that they investigate, and take steps to protect those students.
It's called Title IX, and it's aimed at prohibiting discrimination in schools based on sex. The law says a university must allow all students to have a safe campus environment, and that sexual violence doesn't hinder a student's equal access to an education.
It's supposed to offer students protection in cases such as the one at issue in the lawsuit by a former Cornell University student, referred to as Jane Doe. The lawsuit claims that she was drugged and raped by seven students at a fraternity house in October 2024.
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