The U.S. Department of Education recently released its anticipated proposed regulations regarding sexual harassment under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. If adopted, these regulations could have a significant impact on the manner in which educational agencies and institutions investigate and address claims of sexual harassment or discrimination.  As currently drafted, these proposed regulations would be applicable to both public K-12 school districts and colleges and universities that receive federal funding.

Key components of the proposed regulations include: a definition of sexual harassment; a duty for recipients only to investigate complaints of conduct that occurred within their program or activity; the adoption of an “actual knowledge” and “deliberate indifference” standard of liability; and detailed grievance procedures.

Currently there are no binding federal regulations related to sexual harassment under Title IX, only administrative guidance issued by the Department’s Office for Civil Rights, which enforces Title IX. The proposed regulations are open to public comment for 60 days, and may result in further revisions before they become final.

Please click here for our summary and analysis of the proposed regulations.