What Are the 2024 Changes to Title IX Rules?

In 2024, significant changes to Title IX rules have come into effect, impacting how educational institutions handle allegations of sexual misconduct and discrimination. These changes mark a major shift for both educational institutions and individuals involved in Title IX proceedings. If you have been targeted in a Title IX investigation at your school, you should retain an attorney who has handled these cases previously and is conversant with the new standards.

Some of the most important changes associated with the 2024 Title IX overhaul include the following: 

• Definition of sexual harassment — Now, mistreatment that is “sufficiently severe or pervasive will constitute sexual harassment under Title IX. Previously, behavior also had to be “objectively offensive” to qualify as sexual harassment.
• Off-campus conduct included — An individual can now raise a Title IX complaint even if the actions in question occurred off campus, including when the parties were outside of the country as exchange students. 
• Investigations can again be conducted by a single person — Concerns over due process and the rights of victims have led to strong debate as to whether a single representative for a school should be able to investigate the case and hand down the sanctions. In 2020, Title IX was changed to prohibit the single-investigator model. However, the 2024 update once again allows this practice. 
• Cross-examination no longer required — There has been serious debate as to whether cross-examination of the complainant is necessary to ensure that the respondent’s due process rights have been respected. The latest revision reverses another 2020 change by no longer requiring that the respondent’s adviser have a chance to question the alleged victim. 
• Expansion of Title IX coverage — Discriminatory behavior based on sexual orientation, gender identity or pregnancy status is now explicitly covered by Title IX. 

The latest version of Title IX, taking effect August 1, 2024, puts accused individuals in a much different position than they were even a year earlier. Knowledgeable representation in these proceedings is more important than ever. As an accomplished Title IX attorney, Kevin L. Collins can develop a comprehensive defense strategy based on the updated standards.

Kevin L. Collins, P.C. in San Antonio represents students and others facing Title IX sanctions throughout Texas. Please call 210-598-8629 or contact us online to schedule an appointment regarding your particular legal needs.