Addressing sex discrimination with Title IX coordinators in the #MeToo era

Abstract

Title IX coordinators play an essential role in ensuring that schools are free of gender-based harassment and discrimination; however, a recent survey of coordinators in California and Colorado shows that many of them are poorly equipped to do this work. In their study, Elizabeth J. Meyer and Andrea Somoza-Norton found that contact information for Title IX coordinators is often difficult to find, that their job descriptions are too broad and complex, that they receive insufficient training, and that many are unaware of their role in assisting students, especially transgender students. The authors recommend that the Office of Civil Rights, district leaders, school boards, and Title IX coordinators themselves take action to bring clarity to this work.