HR trends shaping the future of work in 2025
Ethics and compliance
The US Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), recently announced a voluntary resolution agreement with a state university and related entities in connection with the university’s mishandling of sexual abuse allegations against several former employees. The agreement contains multiple institutional reforms the university must undertake, particularly in how it handles […]
The US Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), recently announced a voluntary resolution agreement with a state university and related entities in connection with the university’s mishandling of sexual abuse allegations against several former employees. The agreement contains multiple institutional reforms the university must undertake, particularly in how it handles Title IX cases in the future.
Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 is the federal law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex in schools that receive federal funding. Although Title IX was originally known for allowing girls and women access to sports teams, it has become the framework for governing how educational institutions must respond to reports of sexual assault and ensure a safe learning environment.
The OCR’s civil rights investigation of the university revealed a systemic failure to protect students from sexual abuse by inadequately responding to reports of sexual misconduct. The university also failed to implement appropriate measures to protect students while complaints were pending, and to take steps to eliminate the hostile environment and prevent further incidents of harassment from recurring.
The results of the investigation underscore why it’s essential for schools to implement and communicate their Title IX policies, procedures and training to students, faculty, staff and “responsible employees,” who have obligations to report any potential incidents of sexual misconduct.
Here are five tips to help improve Title IX compliance and promote a safe and respectful culture:
Sexual misconduct on campus is a complex problem that is consistently underreported. As the academic year progresses, schools should consider ways to strengthen their sexual harassment prevention initiatives, including training students, faculty, staff and responsible employees on their Title IX rights and responsibilities and how to prevent sexual misconduct.