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TITLE IX WORKPLACE EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION Lawyers
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Title IX Workplace Employment Discrimination Lawyers
Hey there! Title IX is a big federal civil rights law that says schools and colleges can’t discriminate based on sex if they get money from the government. You’ve probably heard of Title IX mostly with sports – helping women’s teams get treated fairly. But it also protects employees from discrimination at educational institutions.If you’ve dealt with unfair treatment at a school because you’re a woman or man, you may be able to file a Title IX claim. This article will give you the basics on these kinds of cases. I’m not a lawyer, but I want to help you understand the law and know when to talk to an attorney.
What Discrimination Does Title IX Prohibit?
Okay, first – what exactly does Title IX cover? The law says:
“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.”
That’s pretty broad! Here are some examples of illegal discrimination under Title IX:
- Not getting a promotion or raise because of your gender
- Getting fired for complaining about sex discrimination
- Being sexually harassed by a coworker or student
- Being treated unfairly due to pregnancy or parental status
- Facing discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity
As you can see, Title IX protects employees from many types of sex discrimination and harassment at schools, colleges, universities, museums, libraries, research institutions – anywhere that gets federal funds.
How Title IX Differs from Title VII
You may be familiar with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act – it also prohibits employment discrimination. So how is Title IX different?
- Title IX only applies to education programs, Title VII is for most employers.
- Title IX doesn’t require a minimum number of employees to sue.
- You can sue the school directly under Title IX, not just the harasser.
- Title IX gives you more time to file a lawsuit – up to 6 years.
- Title IX focuses on sex discrimination, Title VII covers race, national origin, religion too.
While the laws overlap for sex discrimination claims, Title IX gives some extra protections and options for employees at educational institutions. A knowledgeable lawyer can advise you on which law will work best.
Key Title IX Issues in the Workplace
There are some important recurring issues that come up in Title IX cases:
Pregnancy Discrimination
Schools can’t treat you differently because you’re pregnant, just gave birth, or breastfeeding. That means they have to accommodate medical needs or disabilities related to pregnancy the same as anyone else. If you felt forced to take leave or were denied promotions due to pregnancy, talk to a lawyer.
LGBTQ Discrimination
Title IX says schools can’t discriminate based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender stereotypes. They must allow employees to use their preferred name, pronouns and facilities. Harassment and bullying of LGBTQ staff is also prohibited.
Retaliation
If you complain about discrimination and then face demotion, pay cuts or other consequences – that’s illegal retaliation under Title IX. The school can’t punish you for asserting your rights.
Pros and Cons of a Title IX Claim
No legal case is perfect – there are always tradeoffs. Here are some potential upsides and downsides with Title IX:Pros:
- Longer deadline to file suit (6 years)
- Can sue the institution directly
- No limit on damages (lost wages, emotional distress, etc.)
- May reach settlement faster than a trial
Cons:
- Administrative complaints can take a long time
- No jury trial – judge decides cases
- Lower chance of large punitive damages
- Lower burden of proof than Title VII
For many education discrimination cases, Title IX may offer the best path to relief. But you need an experienced lawyer to advise you on the smartest legal strategies.
Finding the Right Attorney
If you want to pursue a Title IX case, here are tips on finding the right lawyer:
- Look for someone with specific Title IX credentials and case results
- Find a lawyer experienced with higher ed, not just K-12 schools
- Ask about their track record with Title IX complaints and lawsuits
- Consider someone with extensive Title VII experience too
- Read reviews online – aim for great client ratings
The best attorney depends on your particular situation and employer. It’s smart to consult a few options before deciding who to hire. Many offer free initial calls, so take advantage!I know it’s daunting to stand up to discrimination. But you don’t have to put up with unlawful treatment – help is out there!