Title IX | NorthWest Arkansas Community College
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Risk Management

Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities in federally funded schools at all levels. Title IX protects students, employees and other persons from all forms of sex discrimination. All individuals at education institutions are protected by Title IX, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, part- or full-time status, disability, race, or national origin. 

Title IX (20 U.S.C. § 1681(a))

No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

Understanding Title IX

View the following information to better understand terminology associated with Title IX. 

Sex-based discrimination is treating someone unfavorably because of the person’s sex. This treatment may include sexual harassment and sexual assault.

Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact (such as unwelcome sexual touching, battery or rape) of an individual without consent, or against an individual who is incapable of giving consent due to the use of drugs or alcohol, physical or mental disability, and/or age.

Sexual harassment can be unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Both victim and the harasser can be either a woman or a man, and the victim and harasser can be the same sex.

Consent means agreeing to participate in sexual activity, based on an individual's knowledge of what that action involves, its likely consequences and having the option of saying no. The absence of no does not mean yes. Consent can only be given by a person who has control of his/her mental and physical capabilities. 

Sex without consent is sexual assault. Use of force, intimidation or manipulation is a denial of a person’s right to freely give consent. Even if someone has agreed to participate in sexual activity, the individual has the right to withdraw consent at any time.