A federal law known as Title IX requires Austin ISD to protect its students from all forms sexual assault, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and gender-based violence or harassment.

How can I report prohibited conduct?

Reports can be made orally or in writing to a teacher, counselor, principal, or other District employee. Students and parents are also encouraged to make a report directly to Austin ISD’s Title IX Coordinator. The sooner a report is made, the better; but a report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours).

Students and parents are encouraged to include as much information as possible in the report so that Austin ISD’s Title IX Coordinator may thoroughly and properly respond.

How to file a formal Title IX Complaint

Filing a formal complaint, not just a report, will help ensure a Title IX investigation takes place. To file a formal Title IX complaint of sexual assault, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and gender-based violence and/or harassment, please download the form in English or in Spanish and turn it in to the Title IX Coordinator or principal.

You may:

1. mail the form;
2. deliver it in person; or
3. scan and email it.

For information on Austin ISD’s Title IX complaint and investigation processes, see Austin ISD’s FFH District Policies: FFH  (Local) or FFH (Regulation).

What are examples of prohibited conduct under Title IX?

• Sexual assault and abuse
• Unwelcome sexual advances
• Requests for sexual favors
• Sexually motivated physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct (even electronically or online)
• Harassment based on gender, sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, and gender identity

Title IX also prohibits retaliation against students who report sexual harassment, sexual assault, abuse, or other gender-based violence, or who participate in Title IX investigations or AISD’s grievance procedures as a witness or a party.

For more examples, definitions, and information, see Austin ISD’s FFH District Policies: FFH  (Local) or FFH (Regulation).

Who does Title IX protect?

Title IX protects individuals who are participating in or attempting to participate in the school’s educational programs or activities. This can include students, employees, parents, guardians, school visitors, and applicants.

Where do Title IX protections apply?

Title IX applies in all Austin ISD’s educational programs and activities. This includes school sponsored-activities, school-recognized activities, and travel for school purposes that occurs away from the campus.

What are supportive measures?

Title IX requires Austin ISD to provide free non-disciplinary, non-punitive supportive measures to all students involved in conduct which implicates Title IX. Examples include counseling, voluntary changes in class schedules, schedules for use of common spaces, increased security and monitoring, and mutual no-contact or stay away orders.

Additional resources

• TexasLawHelp.org – Sexual Assault, Harassment, and Discrimination at School
• U.S. Department of Education – Title IX and Sex Discrimination
• File a Complaint, U.S. Department of Education

Title IX Coordinator