College sports are more than just games. In addition to pride and competition, they open pathways to life-changing scholarships and opportunities for students. But, for many student-athletes, the experience isn’t safe or fair.
This is where Title IX comes in. It is a civil rights law that prohibits schools and other educational programs from discriminating against anyone on the basis of sex. First passed in 1972 as per of the Education Amendments Act, Title IX has come a long way now covering college athletics and LGBTQ+ rights.
Under the Obama administration as well as the Biden administration, changes have been made to this federal law. However, its core values remain the same: Equity and protection against discrimination.
Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or part of your school’s sports program, understanding what Title IX means for athletes is of critical importance. Let’s take a closer look.
Rights of Student-athletes Under Title IX
Public schools, private schools, and colleges that receive federal funding are required to provide the following rights to student-athletes under Title IX:
Equal Athletic Opportunities
One of the key components of Title IX is ensuring gender equality in sports. The idea of equal athletic opportunities begins with the fair distribution of sports scholarships. This means that the funds allocated to athletic scholarships must be divided based on the proportion of male and female students in the institution. If a college allocated $500,000 to athletic scholarships, and 40 percent of its athletes are female, then the latter must get $200,000.
Colleges must also provide male and female athletes with equal opportunities:
- Athletic equipment and supplies
- Access to sports facilities
- Locker room space
- Facilities for training and competitions
- Opportunities for training
- Travel allowances
For example, let’s say a women’s sports team gets worse practice times and smaller locker rooms than their male counterparts. This could be a Title IX violation, and a student-athlete can report it to the school’s Title IX coordinator or file a complaint.
Protection from Sexual Misconduct
Title IX also protects student-athletes from sexual assault, harassment, or misconduct. All athletes, regardless of their gender and sexual orientation, have the right to a safe sporting environment free from harassment by teammates, coaches, or staff.
Sexual misconduct under Title IX covers any form of sexual behavior that creates a hostile and uncomfortable environment. This can include:
- Sexual harassment in the form of sexual advances, jokes, comments, and advances.
- Sexual assault, including rape or groping.
- Coercion and manipulation.
- Abuse of authority by a staff member or coach.
While some colleges have Title IX coordinators on board, the chances of a fair hearing are not encouraging. Consider consulting with a team of competent national student & athlete defense Title IX attorneys. They will help you understand your legal rights and options and navigate complex school policies.
Protection Against Discrimination
Title IX also protects students and coaches from gender-based discrimination. The college must ensure equal opportunities and fair treatment for all athletes. But, these rights can be violated in the form of:
- Unequal funding and resources
- Scholarship disparities
- Bias in selecting athletes for a team, such as excluding an athlete due to their gender orientation
- Bias in staffing, such as not hiring or promoting female coaches
- Exclusion from athletic opportunities
By understanding your rights, you can fight against unequal athletic opportunities, gender-based discrimination, and sexual harassment.
Coaches’ Title IX Claims
As mentioned earlier, coaches have rights under Title IX. For example, if a female football coach is getting paid less than her male counterpart, despite having the same experience and doing the same work, it could be a Title IX issue. The coach can file a claim under job discrimination and bring charges.
Moreover, if a coach notices their school or college is doing Title IX violations, they can also file a Title IX complaint. It could be anything from unequal athletic opportunities to a lack of resources for female athletes.
How to File a Title IX Complaint
To file a Title IX claim related to athletics, follow these steps:
Familiarize Yourself
The first thing you need to do is familiarize yourself with the rules and details of Title IX. Study previous cases to determine the strengths and weaknesses of your Title IX claim. Check your school or college’s website to read any special regulations regarding Title IX.
Gather Evidence and Document
Filing a Title IX claim is difficult, and colleges often don’t pay much attention to the rights of athletes. Therefore, make your case airtight. Keep a record of the specific events, times, and locations related to your claim. Gather other evidence, such as emails, texts, or phone calls. Moreover, reach out to any witnesses.
Report the Issue to the School
Most schools have Title IX coordinators, responsible for handling complaints. Submit a written report mentioning key details of the incident or issue. Provide any evidence you have collected to support your claim. The school is responsible for looking into the matter and handling the complaint fairly.
File a Report with Relevant Authorities
If you believe the institution has failed to investigate the matter adequately, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights (OCR). Submit a complaint through the OCR website within 180 days of the incident. You need to provide all the details about how the school violated your Title IX protections.
Consult with a Title IX Lawyer
In some cases, school administrators may suppress complaints or coerce the victim to take their complaint back. The motive is to protect the school’s reputation and financial interests. This is why hiring a Title IX lawyer is important. They will protect your interests and help you navigate complex legal processes.
Cooperate and Comply with Regulations
Once you’ve filed a Title IX complaint, you must stay compliant and cooperative. This means responding to enquiries, providing evidence, and attending hearings if required. Remember to document all communication between you and the relevant authorities to protect yourself from any legal liabilities in the future.
Filing a Title IX complaint is about holding institutions accountable for failing to provide equal and safe athletic conditions for all students. By speaking up, you’re ensuring the sports program stays fair, safe, and free from discrimination or sexual misconduct. Seek legal counsel and protect the interests of future generations.
