Title IX is a critical piece of federal legislation in the United States that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistances including Arlington Public Schools. It ensures that all students, regardless of gender, have equal access to educational opportunities and resources, including freedom from sexual harassment and violence. Title IX helps create an equitable learning environment where students can thrive academically and personally.
Support for Title IX in K-12 schools like APS is multifaceted. Schools are required to have a Title IX coordinator (Mr. Sedrick Ross for APS schools) who oversees compliance and addresses grievances. Additionally, there are various community resources such as Doorways (call 24/7 at 703-237-0881) if students and/or families feel that alternative supports are needed. Together, these efforts ensure that Title IX remains an active mechanism for protecting students' rights and fostering an inclusive educational environment." For the school to respond and investigate the harassment you can speak to any administrator at your school to file a Title IX complaint.
While you can speak to counselors or other trusted adults in the school, if you want action to be taken quickly, it is best to speak with the Title IX Coordinator or another administrator. It’s also helpful to use phrases such as “I’d like to file a Title IX (9) report,” or “I’d like to report a claim/complaint of sexual harassment, etc.” to ensure that administrators recognize that your claim may fall under Title IX. If it happened at school, the school is required to respond under Title IX. To view or learn more about APS' Title IX policy, click here.
Learn more about Title IX and see the list of coordinators here: APS-Know-Your-IX-Handout.pdf