New Jersey Title IX Attorneys

The Title IX attorneys at Schall & Barasch believe that all individuals, regardless of gender, deserve full and equal opportunities afforded by educational institutions. Many think that students are the only individuals that receive Title IX protections. However, Title IX also protects faculty, staff, coaches, and teaching assistants at schools and universities. Anyone who is in an educational institution who believes that they are the victim of sex discrimination may bring a complaint under Title IX. Educational institutions are required to protect students and employees from discrimination on account of gender.

Whom We Represent

The attorneys at Schall & Barasch advocate for students, faculty, staff members, and coaches within federally funded educational institutions.

As you’ll read below, students or faculty  may file Title IX complaints within their institutions or they may proceed to directly file a lawsuit in federal court. The attorneys at Schall & Barasch provide consultations to students or faculty at any point of this process, regardless of whether they have already filed, or are considering filing,  a Title IX complaint with their educational institution.

Unfortunately, you cannot always trust your institution to remain impartial when you file a Title IX complaint. Schools and universities often act in their own best interests, rather than the best interests of their students and staff. The inefficiency and often inequitable nature of internal complaint procedures often re-traumatize claimants. Having an advocate in this process can help. Speak to the Title IX attorneys at Schall & Barasch to ensure that your rights are protected if you have already filed, or are considering filing, a Title IX complaint.

What is Title IX?

Title IX is a federal civil rights law that was passed in 1972. It prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs and activities. Some of the most common Title IX violations involve:

• Sexual harassment or assault;
• Failure to provide equal athletic opportunity;
• Gender-based bullying;
• Pregnancy discrimination;
• Employment discrimination on the basis of sex; and/or
• Retaliation for filing a complaint.

Once an educational institution becomes aware of sex discrimination, it must take prompt and effective action to stop it.

Which Schools Must Comply With Title IX?

Any university, educational institution, or educational program that receives federal funds must comply with Title IX. This includes those based in libraries, prisons, museums, and various other institutions.

Why You Might Consider Pursuing a Title IX Claim

You might have cause of action if you:

• Were not permitted to participate in a school activity because of your gender;
• Faced sexual harassment or sexual violence within your educational institution; or
• Faced retaliation for reporting Title IX violations within your institution.

Who Can Pursue a Title IX Claim?

While many believe that Title IX only covers students, the law actually offers protection to all who study or work for a federally funded educational institution. This includes faculty, staff, coaches, and teaching assistants, for example. Therefore, anyone from an educational institution who has experienced or has been made aware of a Title IX violation may file a complaint. It is important to note, however, that only those who have directly experienced Title IX violations (with the exception of minors, in which cases their parents may act on their behalf) may file lawsuits.

Where and How Can You File a Title IX Complaint?

You can file a Title IX complaint directly with your educational institution through its Title IX office or with the federal government, either with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) or with the U.S. Department of Justice. If you choose to file a complaint with the government, you do not need to file a complaint with your educational institution first.