The United States legal system strives to create an environment of equality that protects the rights of all the country’s citizens. Title IX is one significant piece of legislation championed by civil rights lawyers that prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational environments. Find out more about Title IX below.

How Title IX Came to Be

Title IX was part of the Education Amendments of 1972 and marked a major victory for civil rights lawyers. As a federal law, it prohibits discrimination due to sex in all federally funded educational institutions, programs, or activities. 

This encompasses many colleges and universities, as well as public school systems. Federally funded financial assistance programs for education also fall under this umbrella.

How to Handle a Title IX Case

If you have been discriminated against due to your sex by a person, program, institution, or activity that receives federal funds, you may have a Title IX case. You can file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights (OCR). This must be done within 180 days of the date that you experienced the discriminatory act. You can also file a Title IX lawsuit, with or without previously notifying the OCR. To do so, consult a civil rights lawyer. They will have the resources and knowledge to help you. For instance, they will be familiar with the latest Title IX rulings as well as older cases that could have set a precedent for yours.

If successful, you may receive monetary compensation as well as so-called injunctive relief, in which the agency or institute found at fault must perform an action to rectify their lack of compliance with Title IX. If you were the victim of sexual harassment from a professor, for instance, this could mean firing that staff member.

For an experienced civil rights lawyer in Ruidoso, NM, look to Gary C. Mitchell, P.C. This attorney has handled thousands of cases since 1977 and is the president of the New Mexico chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. He fights for his clients’ rights and will work tirelessly to protect yours. Get to know more about Mitchell and his credentials online. Schedule your appointment with this civil rights attorney by calling (575) 257-3070.