Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (commonly called Title IX) was enacted into law. This comprehensive federal law prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity.
Title IX began with a focus on discrimination and ensuring equity in athletics, major key issues include (as stated by the U.S. Department of Education): recruitment, admissions, and counseling; financial assistance; athletics; sex-based harassment; treatment of pregnant and parenting students; discipline; single-sex education; and employment. Also, a recipient may not retaliate against any person for opposing an unlawful educational practice or policy, or made charges, testified or participated in any complaint action under Title IX.
For the Allentown School District Sexual Harassment Policies and Sexual Harassment forms, go to:
District Title IX Coordinator: Dr. Shuanta Broadway-McDaniel
484-765-4109
What is Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault?
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when either. Conduct may take many forms including, but not limited to:
- Repeated sexual teasing, jokes or innuendo (in person, email, social media);
- Unwelcome, offensive or inappropriate sexually suggestive comments;
- Repeatedly standing too close or brushing up against an individual;
- Inappropriate touching or grabbing;
- Cornering or stalking a person;
- Making or posting sexually demeaning or offensive pictures, illustrations, cartoons or other materials on school property.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the individual (against a person's will) or when the individual cannot give consent due to such factors as under the age of consent, intoxicated, developmentally disabled, and mentally/physically unable to provide consent.
Know Your Rights
The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, provides a "Know Your Rights" Title IX Prohibits Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Where You Go to School." To view, click here.