"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..."- Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and its implementing regulation at 34 C.F.R. Part 106 (Title IX). 

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) prohibits discrimination based on gender in educational programs that receive federal financial assistance. Programs and activities that may be included are admissions, recruitment, financial aid, academic programs, athletics, housing, and employment. Title IX also protects men and women students from unlawful sexual harassment in school programs and activities. Under Title IX, discrimination on the basis of sex can include sexual harassment; unwelcomed sexual advances or sexual violence, by employees, students, or third parties.

Understanding Sexual Misconduct

Sexual misconduct is a term used to describe conduct of a sexual nature that is prohibited including but not limited to: sexual harassment, nonconsensual sexual intercourse, nonconsensual touching over and under clothing, forced penetration, sexual exploitation, relationship violence, and stalking.

Acts of sexual misconduct may be committed by any person upon any other person, regardless of the sex, gender, sexual orientation and/or gender identity of those involved.