What Is Title IX?

Title IX is a federal law enacted in 1972 to provide protection against discrimination based on sex. Title IX specifically states that "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.

What is Sexual Harassment?

Final rules regarding Title IX changes were released on May 6, 2020, and became actionable on August 14, 2020. These rules include but are not limited to providing clarity on the definition of Sexual Harassment and the steps districts and employees are to take in order to respond to suspected Sexual Harassment.

Sexual Harassment as Defined by Title IX

1. An employee of the recipient conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the recipient on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct;

2. Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, AND objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the recipient’s education program or activity.

3. “Sexual Assault”, “Dating Violence”, “Domestic Violence”, or “Stalking” as defined by the Clery Act.

Title IX Contacts

Each school and department in Columbia County Schools has a dedicated Title IX contact. Please find the contact information on each school/department webpage and in the Title IX Files box on the district's Title IX Website.

Questions regarding the application of Title IX Procedures may be sent to the District Title IX Coordinator:

Hope Jernigan

Columbia County Schools

Assistant Superintendent

372 West Duval Street Lake City, Florida 32025

Telephone: 386-755-8015

Email: jerniganh@columbiak12.com

Click here to go to the CCS Title IX Website

visit page