FAQs
1
What is Title IX?
Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs operated by educational institutions that receive federal funding. This includes discrimination in admissions, financial aid, academic programs, and extracurricular activities.
2
Who is protected under
Title IX?
Title IX protects all students, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. This includes students who are transgender, gender non-conforming, and LGBTQ+.
3
What types of discrimination are prohibited by Title IX?
Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in all aspects of education, including:
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Admissions
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Financial aid
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Academic programs
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Extracurricular activities: Institutions cannot discriminate on the basis of sex in their extracurricular activities, such as sports teams, clubs, and organizations.
4
Why hire a Title IX or Title VI investigator?
Massachusetts school systems hire investigators for Title IX and Title VI complaints to ensure a fair and impartial investigation process when allegations of sex-based discrimination (Title IX) or race/color/national origin discrimination (Title VI) arise. This allows for a thorough examination of the claims while upholding the legal requirements of these federal civil rights laws and protecting the rights of both the complainant and the accused party.
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5
What other types of investigations may be conducted?
Attorney Sankey also conducts investigations in other areas including:
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Bullying
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Sexual harassment
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Hazing
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Retaliation
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Staff or teacher misconduct
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Financial improprieties
6
What is bullying?
Under Massachusetts law, bullying is defined broadly to include any repeated written, verbal, electronic or
physical acts that cause physical or emotional harm; damage property; or cause a reasonable fear of harm or create a hostile school environment that substantially disrupts a student's
education or the orderly operation of the school.
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