About Title IX

What is Title IX?

Title IX (1972) is a federal (national) law that serves as a powerful tool for combating campus violence. The law requires colleges receiving federal funding to combat gender-based violence and harassment and respond to survivors’ needs in order to ensure that all students have equal access to education.

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” – Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to the Higher Education Act of 1965

Any sexual violence or physical abuse, as defined by California law, whether committed by an employee, student, or member of the public, occurring on college-owned or controlled property, at college-sponsored or supervised functions, or related to or arising from college attendance or activity is a violation of district policies and regulations, and is subject to all applicable punishment, including criminal and/or civil prosecution and employee or student discipline procedures.

As a student, you can take action to stop sexual misconduct and violence. Learn more about how you can make a difference: KNOW YOUR IX: Empowering Students to Stop Sexual Violence

What is the Campus SaVE Act?

Campus violence and sexual assault are serious issues that impact college students throughout the country. Recent changes in the law by the federal government are holding colleges to a higher standard for reporting campus assaults. These new laws require prevention and awareness programs for students and employees.

Most students enter the college environment without receiving any information on issues of consent, sexual coercion, or what to do when they feel unsafe in a student environment. Many students do not know what to do if they or a friend are assaulted. When students know their rights and how to step up and speak out, they can do their part in helping to eliminate campus violence.

Over the past 50 years, important legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX Gender Discrimination were passed to help keep students protected, safe, and successful. In 1990 the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act – or Clery Act – was signed into law four years after the rape and murder of college student Jeanne Clery. These were major steps toward helping colleges become safe and inclusive.

On March 7, 2013, President Obama signed into law the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act (Campus SaVE Act), a complement to Title IX and an update to the Jeanne Clery Act, as part of the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. The new law is designed to help colleges better protect their students and employees from sexual violence.