Dear Title IX Professionals

Tune out the noise. Let’s get to work.

Title IX is a law about ACCESS to education that is free from discrimination based on sex. Access, my friends, is the fundamental point of the law.

There has been so much drama this summer, with the regulations, litigation, injunctions, appeals, etc., that it’s been nearly impossible to focus on the work (outside of policy and procedure) that needs to occur. So, as the summer wraps up, and your students return, LET’S DO THIS!

Regardless of whether you are a 2024 regulations state, a 2020 regulations state, a Moms For Liberty school (or other school under the same injunction), or you have absolutely no idea where you fall, many of the most important expectations are the same.

• Prevention matters more than ever. Talk about your expectations. Post them. Be seen. Be heard. Be Creative. Explain to students and employees that discrimination WILL NOT be tolerated.
• Encourage reporting. Highlight where and how students or employees can report sex discrimination. Make reporting an easy and supportive process so that those who report sex discrimination feel empowered to encourage others to do the same.
• Respond. Do SOMETHING in response to reports of sex discrimination. Use a policy. Be transparent about what policy or procedures you are using and why. Don’t freeze. Keep moving. Respond.
• Support students and employees. If students or employees report experiencing sex discrimination, SUPPORT THEM. Be flexible and creative with measures to provide access to their education (or workplace). Develop clear lines of communication with parties and parents/guardians. Be kind.

If students or employees are accused of sex discrimination, SUPPORT THEM. Implement supportive measures for them. If the situation requires administrative leave, make sure it’s paid. Regardless of your procedures, this process is hard. Communication is imperative. Access is critical for BOTH parties. Be kind.

Despite the politics, controversy, and litigation, we, as Title IX professionals, have an obligation to separate ourselves from the drama and noise. We must provide access through Prevention, Encouragement, Response, and Support with transparency and kindness. Our job is the same.

YOU are amazing and YOU make your campuses and districts better. The world is better because of you. Keep on, keeping on. One foot in front of the other. One day at a time! You’ve got this!