Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

Title IX States

Sex Discrimination

The purpose of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is to eliminate discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. The following link addresses frequently asked questions about sex discrimination and describes the schools and programs that are covered by Title IX, who is protected under Title IX, and provides a brief summary of the school and program responsibilities under Title IX.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sex Discrimination 

Implementing Regulations 

U.S. Department of Education

34 C.F.R. Part 106, with preamble (Aug 14, 2020 to the present)

34 C.F.R. Part 106, without preamble (Aug 14, 2020 to the present)

34 C.F.R. Part 106 (prior to Aug 14,2020)

2024 Final Regulations 

On April 19, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education released the 2024 Title IX Regulations.  The final regulations go into effect on Aug 1, 2024, and apply to complaints of sex discrimination regarding alleged conduct that occurs on or after that date. The 2020 regulations remain in effect through July 31, 2024.  For more information:

• Press Release 
• Fact Sheet 
• Summary of Major Provisions 
• Resource for Drafting Policies 
• Unofficial Version 
• Official Version (Federal Register) 

The Department’s rulemaking process for a Title IX regulation related to athletics is still on-going. 

Webinar Series

An Overview of the 2020 Title IX Regulations: What they are and Steps to Take

This two-part informational webinar series was delivered virtually Oct 2020, by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), in collaboration with the Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB). For more information, or to request a copy of the webinar series, please contact Rebekah Ottenbreit at Ottenbreit_r@cde.state.co.us

Obligation to Designate a Title IX Coordinator

The U.S. Department of Education's Implementing Regulations 34 C.F.R. Part 106 and the  2020 Title lX Regulations require that all recipients of Federal financial assistance, including elementary and secondary schools, designate at least one responsible employee to coordinate the efforts to comply with Title lX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

A list of district Title lX Coordinators can be found at ED.gov Civil Rights Coordinators Data Website.

Annual Training for Title IX Personnel

Under the 2020 Regulations, Title IX personnel should receive annual, role specific training, conducted by Title IX professionals with experience in Title IX investigations.

Questions and Answers on Civil Rights in the COVID Environment

May 2021, the U.S. Department of Education issued a Questions and Answers document on Civil Rights and School Reopening in the COVID-19 Environment.  This document provides answers to common questions about schools’ responsibilities under civil rights laws, including Title IX.  Questions specific to Title IX begin on page 20 and continue to the end of the document.

How to Report a Title IX Issue

All of the school/district educational community needs to know how to report sexual harassment.  Under the 2020 regulations, schools must notify all applicants for admission or employment, students, parents or legal guardians of K-12 schools, employees, and unions or professional organizations holding collective bargaining agreements that:

• The school/district does not discriminate on the basis of sex
• The school/district is required, under Title IX, not to discriminate on the basis of sex
• This requirement extends to admissions and employment
• Inquiries may be referred to the school/district Title IX Coordinator, to the Office for Civil Rights, or to both

How to File a Complaint

Title IX complaints should be filed with the individual school or district. However, a complaint may also be filed with the U.S. Office for Civil Rights.

• U.S. Office for Civil Rights Webinar on How to File a Complaint with the Office for Civil Rights
• U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights Case Processing Manual, July 2022
• The Office for Civil Rights also offers mediation services.  Just select “mediation” on the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Form

Anti-Retaliation Provision

It is unlawful to retaliate against individuals, including Title IX Coordinators, for:

• Filing a Title IX complaint
• Participating in a Title IX investigation, hearing or proceeding
• Advocating for others’ Title IX rights

For more information, see:

• April 24, 2013 Dear Colleague Letter
• April 24, 2013 Dear Colleague Letter - Spanish