TITLE IX
What is Title IX?
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a powerful federal civil rights law. It prohibits discrimination based on sex (including sexual harassment) in any education program or activity that receives federal financial assistance.
Lyons School District 103 embraces Title IX fully. We do not discriminate on the basis of sex in any of our educational programs or activities, and we extend these protections to everyone in our District: applicants for employment, students, parents/guardians, employees, and third parties.
What is Title IX Sexual Harassment?
Title IX sexual harassment covers specific types of unwelcome conduct based on sex. This includes:
- Quid Pro Quo Harassment: When a District employee pressures an individual to participate in unwelcome sexual conduct in exchange for an aid, benefit, or service.
- Hostile Environment Harassment: Unwelcome conduct so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the District’s educational program or activity.
- Specific Acts of Violence: Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking, as defined by federal statutes.
Examples of Sexual Harassment in a School Setting:
Sexual harassment can manifest in various ways, and we want you to be aware of what to look for:
For Our Younger Students (Grades K-5):
- Unwanted Touching: Touching someone's body in a way they don't like, including private areas or touching after being told to stop.
- Inappropriate Comments or Jokes: Telling jokes or making comments about private body parts, or making others uncomfortable with sexual talk.
- Sharing Unkind Pictures or Messages: Showing or sharing drawings, pictures, or messages that are sexual in nature or make fun of someone's body.
- Uncomfortable Gestures: Making hand motions or body movements that are about private body parts or sexual acts and make someone feel uneasy.
- Teasing or Name-Calling: Repeatedly making fun of someone because they are a boy or a girl, or making unkind comments about their body.
- Spreading False Stories: Telling untrue or private stories about someone's relationships or private life that make them feel sad or embarrassed.
For Our Older Students (Grades 6-8):
- Unwanted Attention: Repeatedly asking someone out, sending unwanted messages (texts, social media), or trying to touch them, even after being asked to stop.
- Inappropriate Online Sharing: Sending or sharing private pictures or videos of yourself or others that are sexual in nature, even outside of school, if it impacts the school environment.
- Spreading Harmful Rumors: Sharing untrue or private stories about someone's sexual life or relationships, especially online.
- Pressuring Others: Trying to pressure, trick, or threaten someone into unwanted sexual activity or conversations.
- Uncomfortable Jokes or Comments: Regularly telling sexually suggestive jokes or making comments about someone's body or appearance that make others feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
- Displaying Inappropriate Material: Posting or sharing sexually suggestive images, drawings, or messages where others can see them.
- Unkind Comments About Gender: Repeatedly making hurtful comments about someone because of their gender, gender expression, or sexual orientation.
- Unwanted Physical Contact: Any unwanted touching, grabbing, or cornering someone in a way that feels sexual or makes them uncomfortable.
- Serious Unwanted Sexual Contact: Any unwanted sexual act, including any non-consensual sexual touching or assault.
- Unhealthy Relationship Behavior (Dating Violence): When someone in a romantic relationship uses control, threats, or harm (physical, emotional, or sexual) against the other person.