What’s a “Title IX Coordinator” and Why Should I Care? by Karen Humphrey

title_9You would think that 44 years after the passage of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, equal education for all students regardless of sex would be a given in virtually all schools and colleges–the purpose of this landmark law.

Unfortunately, that is not the case.  Part of the reason sex discrimination still exists in education is that school systems across the country fail to make the most of their best tool for enforcing the law—the Title IX Coordinator required in districts, schools and colleges.  These people are critical to ensuring gender equity in education.

There is still a considerable lack of knowledge about Title IX. Many teachers, students and parents don’t understand what it requires, and some have never heard of it.  Some people think Title IX is just about athletics, but it actually applies to every aspect of education.  Long after its passage, new issues constantly emerge–campus sexual assault, transgender student rights, single-sex education and more.

As Title IX’s greatest champion, AAUW understands the law requires the effective leadership of Title IX Coordinators, but many people who carry that title must juggle Title IX with many other responsibilities, and get little training and support.  Often, their primary task is to handle complaints, not prevent discrimination in the first place.  With proper support, Coordinators can be leaders in really ensuring gender equity in education.

To help support Title IX Coordinators, AAUW launched the Title IX delivery project nationwide.  The project enables members to seek out Title IX Coordinators in their local schools and share with them helpful new materials from the U.S. Department of Education.   Increasing the knowledge of Title IX Coordinators helps increase their effectiveness and can build community support for equal opportunity in education.  If you’re interested, the project is described here.

This article is based on AAUW web resources, personal experience, and a new research report on Title IX Coordinators by the Feminist Majority Foundation.