Fact vs Fiction: Title IX Edition
- titleixtruths
- Apr 9, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 12, 2019
Before visiting this site or even hearing about Title IX, there were probably a lot of things you assumed or heard that may not necessarily be true. Here are some common misconceptions, and the truth behind them!"Fiction" will be bolded - these are the common misconceptions. "Fact" will be unbolded - these are what's actually true for each "fiction".
Title IX only applies to athletic programs. Sure, Title IX applies to athletic programs to allow women to play on men's teams, and vice versa, however Title IX covers a variety of fields. Title IX covers recruitment, admissions, financial aid and scholarships, course offerings and access, counseling, hiring and retention of employees, benefits and leave, and also prohibits sexual harassment (which includes sexual assault and sexual violence).
Title IX applies only to discrimination against women. While it is highlighted in the media as protecting women, it serves to protect the rights of women and men. Title IX requires that males and females receive fair and equitable treatment in all areas of education.
All educational activities and programs must be co-ed and open to both men and women. Title IX actually allows for single-sex programs in a number of categories, including religious schools, traditional men's/women's colleges, social fraternities/sororities, beauty pageants, and youth service organizations such as The Boy/Girl Scouts of America.
In order to comply with Title IX, male athletic opportunities must be decreased to provide opportunity for female programs. This is entirely false. In fact, Title IX is design to create parity in athletics, as well as other educational opportunities. Schools aren't required to cut men's athletic programs just to allow women a shot on the team.
Title IX forces victims/survivors to share their experience with the college/university. A survivor or victim always has the final say on whether or not they want to share their experience, and how much information they want to share. However, if they are filing a report, then it is in their best interest to give any and all details.
Title IX starts a criminal/legal process. This is where some clarification is needed. Title IX is a civil rights process, not a criminal justice process. You can go to the police to pursue criminal action against an attacker at the same time as filing a Title IX report. A Title IX process pursues action be taken against the alleged attacked by the college/university in whatever capacity that is appropriate. This ranges from a simple No Contact Order to expulsion and refusal of diploma.
Even if someone goes to report a Title IX incident, the Title IX coordinator will pressure them into pursuing disciplinary action. Again, the power is all in your hands. You can report a Title IX incident and choose not to pursue disciplinary action. However, please be aware that if the college/university believes there is a broader safety risk from the alleged attacker for their community, they will investigate, but it will not be your burden.
Title IX is most concerned about the institutions liability. This is not true, even if it may seem like it is. Title IX is all about preventing the recurrence of reported behavior, addressing the effects of the reported behavior through support and resources, and creating a community where sexual violence is not tolerated so that the community can thrive.
Title IX only deals with sexual assault and rape. While it is true that Title IX deals with these cases, the scope of Title IX is much wider. It includes the discrimination on the basis of sex, which can include sexual harassment, gender-based discrimination and harassment, sexual violence, other forms of sexual misconduct, stalking, intimate partner violence, retaliation, and bullying/hazing.
There is a time limit for making a report of sexual harassment or sexual assault. There is absolutely no time limit for making a Title IX complaint, however it is in your best interest to report as soon as possible so the college can respond promptly and effectively, and any witnesses will be more reliable to remember smaller details that may be forgotten months down the road.
We hope you enjoyed this list!
This list was compiled using the following sources:
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