Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 is the federal civil rights law that guarantees equal access to education. It also addresses sexual harassment, especially regarding the influence of gender in educational opportunities,. The U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (USDOE OCR), which interprets Title... more

Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 is the federal civil rights law that guarantees equal access to education. It also addresses sexual harassment, especially regarding the influence of gender in educational opportunities,. The U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (USDOE OCR), which interprets Title IX, significantly changed that interpretation effective Aug. 14, 2020. Recourse for K–12 students who are victims of sexual harassment has always been weaker than legal remedy for adult university students. With USDOE’s latest reinterpretation of educators’ responsibilities, 18 state attorneys and the ACLU expressed grave concerns that legal responses in creating and enforcing student safety at school have been weakened even further and some safeguards removed altogether. Learn about the 10 most significant changes and requirements of educators regarding alleged victims and perpetrators in sexual harassment. Focus on the implications of the new regulations and the use of informal resolution. Address whether serving as mediators in these cases is an appropriate role for school counselors. Download handout here.

Learning objectives:

After viewing this webinar, you should be able to:

1. Discuss the current USDOE OCR interpretation of Title IX and educators’ legal responsibilities in sexual harassment


2. Use legal muscle to avoid inappropriate roles, such as investigator or mediator for complainant and respondent


3. Identify the unique role school counselors can play in implementing a legally sound framework to support complainants and respondents

Speakers:

• Carolyn Stone, Ed.D.


• Wendy Rock, Ph.D.

Original air date: Oct. 14, 2020