Which federal law is cited as governing schools' liability for sexual harassment?

• A. Education Amendments of 1972
• B. Title IX
• C. Civil Rights Act
• D. Americans with Disabilities Act

Answer: (B)

Title IX, a provision of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, is the federal law that governs how schools handle sexual harassment and the liability they may face. It prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that receives federal funds, which covers most K–12 schools and colleges. When harassment based on sex interferes with a student's right to an education or creates a hostile environment, schools must respond and provide remedies; failing to do so can lead to liability under Title IX. While the Civil Rights Act provides broad anti-discrimination protections and the Americans with Disabilities Act focuses on disability rights, Title IX is the specific mechanism that addresses sexual harassment in education settings. The Education Amendments of 1972 is the overall law, with Title IX as its key provision for this issue.