Rights & liberties
Title IX
The 1972 law barring sex discrimination in education programs that receive federal money. Best known for athletics, but far broader in reach.
In full
Title IX covers admissions, employment, athletics, and the handling of sexual harassment and assault at schools receiving federal funds, which is nearly all of them. Its athletics requirements are assessed through a three-part test on participation opportunities. Enforcement runs through the Education Department's Office for Civil Rights and through private lawsuits.
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A plain-language explanation for civic education, not legal advice. When in doubt, the official source named above controls.