Data estimates 11.2% of college students experience sexual assault at some point during their postsecondary education. The prevalence of this issue and the resulting impact on students' lives and educational outcomes highlights the importance of examining the role of federal, state and institutional action in preventing and addressing issues of…

Legislation and initiatives at the state and federal levels are challenging colleges and universities to review their approach to issues of sexual violence. This article addresses issues of compliance and beyond.

Public schools are full of incidents that fill newspapers, but when a private school is struck with instances of libel, child abuse, and violations of Title IX, the community is at a loss as to what to do.

Child Sexual Abuse is a growing epidemic. In the United States, 1 in 6 boys and 1 in 4 girls will be sexually abused before reaching adulthood. From a legal standpoint, inappropriate sexual relations between a faculty/staff member and a student are a growing national concern. In 1991, the Supreme Court heard the Franklin v. Gwinnett County Public…

Explores the recent Supreme Court Decision ("Gebser v. Lago Vista Independent School District") on the liability standard Title IX imposes on school districts for the sexual abuse of a student by a teacher. Because the standard of actual knowledge and deliberate indifference by a school official is too high, the student is denied access…

Colleges and universities are expected to provide safe and appropriate learning and working environments, including freedom from sexual harassment. Unfortunately, the frequency of complaints on college and university campuses has increased. Sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination and is prohibited by federal laws. This behavior…

The U.S. Supreme Court, in its June 1998 "Gebser" decision, held that school districts cannot be sued for damages under Title IX unless a school official knows about a teacher's sexual abuse of a student and fails to stop it. However, districts must comply with Title IX requirements and follow appropriate guidelines. (MLH)

This brief report summarizes a longer document with the same title. The report discusses the problem of sexual harassment on college campuses and what intervention strategies academic institutions can take to help eliminate the problem. It notes that sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination prohibited by federal law, and examines what…

Court decisions in suits by student victims against the school district employers and superiors of student molesters present a confusing mix of tort liability theories and court reactions. Examines case development under civil rights statutes; reports on the latest Supreme Court decision under Title IX; and comments on the cumulative effect of…

This paper sets out the legal grounds for sexual harassment claims in education settings, and notes a number of pertinent cases that are illustrative of common legal and factual issues. Sexual harassment, including sexual abuse, is prohibited by federal and state statutes. Sexual harassment in the context of employment constitutes employment…

This document is one of a two-part set of publications. Both deal with equal education and provide a concise overview of Title IX and gender equity issues in education and steps to take to ensure nondiscrimination and equal education opportunity for all. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is the major federal law prohibiting sex…

Examines seven federal court opinions that determined whether an educational institution can be held liable under Title IX for student-to-student sexual harassment that occurs on the institution's property or in connection with school activities. (82 footnotes) (MLF)

This document is one of a two-part set of publications. Both deal with equal education and provide a concise overview of Title IX and gender equity issues in education and steps to take to ensure nondiscrimination and equal education opportunity for all. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 mandates that schools not deny any student…

Reviews the legal principles and precedents that frame current sexual harassment laws as they relate to schools. Discusses school district liability and responsibility for providing school environments safe from sexual harassment. Includes guidelines for developing and implementing school policies regarding sexual harassment. (CFR)

Asserts that sexual harassment is a major problem in schools. Presents a secondary-level lesson designed to help teachers and students examine this issue and identify harassing behaviors. Includes six student handouts, instructional procedures, and suggested follow-up activities. (CFR)