In terms of sexual diversity, schools have a legal obligation to address which type of sexual harassment?

• A. Teacher; Student
• B. Student; Student
• C. The Education Amendments of 1972
• D. Principal; Student

Answer: (B)

Peer-to-peer sexual harassment is something schools must address because it directly harms students’ learning environment. Under Title IX, schools receiving federal funding must respond promptly to sexual harassment that creates a hostile environment, and that includes harassment between students. This means administrators need clear procedures for reporting, investigating, and remedying student-on-student harassment, providing support to those affected, and taking steps to prevent recurrence. Although harassment by a teacher or principal toward a student falls under school obligations as well, the type most central to sexual diversity concerns in this context is student-to-student harassment. The Education Amendments of 1972 provide the legal framework behind these protections.