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.

The Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) does the following: (1) Clarifies the relationship between bullying and discriminatory harassment under the civil rights laws enforced by the Department of Education's (ED) Office for Civil Rights (OCR); (2) Explains how student misconduct that falls under an anti-bullying policy also may trigger responsibilities…

In recent years, many state departments of education and local school districts have taken steps to reduce bullying in schools. The U.S. Department of Education (Department) fully supports these efforts. Bullying fosters a climate of fear and disrespect that can seriously impair the physical and psychological health of its victims and create…

Sexual harassment of students is illegal. A federal law, "Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972" ("Title IX"), prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment, in education programs and activities. All public and private education institutions that receive any federal funds must comply with…

Previous "School Law" columns discussed developments under Title IX (Educational Amendments of 1970), noting a trend among federal courts to apply Title IX's prohibition against sexual harassment to peer and employee-to-student sexual harassment. A recent Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision against the Santa Rosa City School District…

Although the U.S. Supreme Court allows students to sue districts (under Title IX) over teacher-student harassment, federal courts have split over peer harassment. In "Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education" (1999), the Supreme Court ruled that students can sue districts for inadequate responses to reported peer sexual harassment. (MLH)

A total of 20 judges ruled on a 1994 sexual-harassment case including 5 U.S. Supreme Court justices, who decided in a middle- schooler's favor. School districts are liable for violations of Title IX when they knowingly ignore blatant, pervasive abuse that limits a student's educational access. (Contains 28 references.) (MLH)

Discusses clear trends in school law regarding compulsory community service and school district liability for student-to-student sexual harassment. The courts are upholding mandatory community service programs, as seen in a recent Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling. The courts are also recognizing a student's right to protection by school…

With the "Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education" decision, a bitterly divided U.S. Supreme Court resolved the split between circuit courts over public school districts' liability for money damages under Title IX. Boards may be held liable when school officials are deliberately indifferent to on-campus student-to-student sexual…

The hidden but serious problem of sexual harassment of students and employees by college faculty is discussed, some statistics are given, and legal and court opinions outlined. Harassment as a violation of Title IX is analyzed, and implications for institutional action to curb it are outlined. (MSE)

Controversy over Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is reviewed, tracking the statue from enactment through recent judicial and legislative activity. Topics discussed include the effects of judicial interpretation of administrative regulations, public debate concerning the law's regulation and enforcement, rise in special interest groups…

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…

Ruling in "Franklin," the Supreme Court found in favor of a high school student who alleged that she had been subjected to sexual harassment in violation of Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. Inquires about the nature and scope of damages available under Title IX. Concludes with policy considerations for administrators. (MLF)

A court decision allowing monetary damages for intentional violations of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is seen as dramatically changing enforcement of the principal federal law against sex discrimination. Its treatment of sexual harassment is also considered. Implications for Title IX enforcement in colleges and universities are…

Perspectives on Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments concerning gender equity in college sports, include those of a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) administrator and a women's law attorney. The first looks at the law's provisions, NCAA's role, and related challenges facing institutions. The second focuses on continuing gender…