Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded education programs and activities. Title IX provides, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” The DOE is committed to complying with Title IX and ensuring that DOE schools and workplaces are free of sex discrimination.
In August 2020, the U.S. Department of Education adopted new regulations which revise the definition of sexual harassment prohibited under Title IX, and also create new procedures for investigating allegations of sexual harassment covered by Title IX. The USDOE is now in the process of reviewing those 2020 regulations. Pending further federal directives, the DOE Overview of Title IX Investigations & Notice of Rights is a resource for staff, students, and parents.
Additional information about the 2020 regulations can be found here: US Department of Education Title IX page.
Staff, students, and parents should also continue to refer to Chancellor's Regulations A-831 and A-832 (which set forth the NYCDOE’s policy for prohibiting student-to-student sexual harassment and student-to-student discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying), and Chancellor's Regulation A-830 (which sets forth the DOE's Anti-Discrimination Policy, including for staff sexual harassment). Complaints that allege conduct prohibited under Title IX will be investigated at the school level (under Chancellor’s Regulation A-831 or A-832) or by OEO (under Chancellor’s Regulation A-830), and separately by the DOE’s Title IX team.”
If you have any questions regarding the new regulations or DOE policy, please contact the Title IX Coordinator at Title_IX_Inquiries@schools.nyc.gov.
Who is protected by Title IX?
Title IX’s protections apply to DOE students, parents, staff members, and applicants for employment.
How do I file a Title IX complaint?
To file a Title IX complaint, please contact the Title IX Coordinator at:
Title IX Coordinator
110 William Street – 15th Floor
New York, NY 10038
718-935-4987
Title_IX_Inquiries@schools.nyc.gov
K-12 Students Bill of Rights and Responsibilities
The Student Bill of Rights serves as a guide for students as they strive to become productive citizens in a diverse society.
Discrimination, and Sexual and Other Harassment, Against Students or Employees
Chancellor’s Regulation A-830 is the DOE’s Non-Discrimination Policy and outlines how to file a complaint of staff-to-student or staff-to-staff discrimination, including to allege discrimination based on gender (including gender identity and/or gender expression) or sexual orientation.
Student-to-Student Discrimination, Sexual and Other Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying
This Frequently Asked Questions is a resource for students and parents about how to report incidents, the investigation process, and supports and interventions to prevent and address student-to-student sexual harassment and student-to-student gender-based harassment, bullying, intimidation, and/or discrimination.
You can submit a handwritten report of student-to-student discrimination, sexual or other harassment, intimidation, and bullying complaints by turning the form in to your school:
You can also report by submitting an online form.
If you need more assistance than what your school is providing, visit the Respect for All webpage section on Escalation Assistance for more information.
Student-to-Student Sexual Harassment
Chancellor’s Regulation A-831 is the DOE’s policy prohibiting student-to-student sexual harassment.
Discrimination, Sexual and Other Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying
Chancellor’s Regulation A-832 is the DOE’s anti-bullying policy and outlines the procedures for filing complaints of student-to-student discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying, including based on gender (including gender identity and/or expression) or sexual orientation.
Pregnant Students
Chancellor’s Regulation A-740 is the DOE’s policy requiring pregnant students of compulsory age to attend school unless medical reasons indicate to the contrary, and outlines the procedures for which school personnel are responsible during and after a student’s pregnancy.
Gender Inclusion Guidelines
Employee Lactation Accommodation Policy
Personnel Memorandum #1, 2020-21
Contacts
If you have a question about filing a Title IX complaint, or about addressing sex-based discrimination, contact the DOE Title IX Coordinator or Attorneys:
Title IX Coordinator
Deborah Wollenberg
Title IX Coordinator
110 William Street – 15th Floor
New York, NY 10038
718-759-4954
dwollenberg@schools.nyc.gov
Title IX Attorneys
Bronx Title IX Attorney
Brooklyn North Title IX Attorney
Brooklyn South Title IX Attorney
Manhattan Title IX Attorney
Queens North Title IX Attorney
Queens South Title IX Attorney
Staten Island Title IX Attorney
Training
What training do DOE’s Title IX Coordinator and Title IX Liaisons (“Title IX Team”) Receive?
The Title IX Team receives training materials and guidance on the following topic areas regarding Title IX:
- Title IX, including the requirements of the new regulations;
- Conducting intake of complaints of discrimination and sexual harassment, including assessing jurisdiction and drafting referrals;
- Fact-finding investigative techniques and best practices;
- Coordinating interventions and supports at the school;
- Drafting investigative reports;
- Evaluating evidence to render a determination.
In addition, the Title IX Team is provided information and guidance on DOE-specific policies and procedures, including but not limited to:
- Chancellor’s Regulations A-420, A-421, A-740, A-830, A-831, A-832;
- DOE’s Non-Discrimination Policy;
- DOE’s Guidelines on Gender Inclusion and Guidelines to Support Transgender and Gender Expansive Students;
- Citywide Behavioral Expectations to Support Student Learning, including the K–12 Student Bill of Rights and Responsibilities and the Discipline Code.