Due to amendments to Title IX, a federal law preventing sex-based harassment in schools, WA’s student handbook (pg. 9) will be altered through the cited policy. These changes are to start in the 2024-2025 school year and expand the policy’s application, from instances at school-affiliated locations to now any situation deemed to create a ‘hostile environment’ in school.
Title IX is a federal law that was established as a component of the Educational Amendments of 1972, prohibiting all forms of sex-based discrimination in educational programs or federally-funded establishments. These amendments were an extension of the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause, which establishes equal protection for all U.S citizens under any future policies.
“Sex-based discrimination” can be exhibited in a variety of forms. Title IX specifically cites harassment based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, or pregnancy status. Additionally, the policy applies to all members of Westford Academy, including both students and staff. To read specific case examples and resolutions, use this Office for Civil Rights search engine.
Despite Title IX retaining its core purpose, its wording has been refined over the years to alter its meaning. Starting August 1, 2024, the policy broadened to include any incidents that create ‘hostile environments’ within schools and federally-funded activities. This means that if an incident relating to sex-based discrimination happens outside of WA or online and it affects the environment within WA, the school has the right to treat the incident as a Title IX offense.
“If you respect people, just leave them be, you’re going to be fine. It’s when we start to identify people for their differences and use it against them [that Title IX becomes involved],” Dean Amanda Welch said.
Title IX offensenses at WA are responded to following the District’s Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedures, but actions against complaints will be taken on a case-by-case basis. To report a Title IX Complaint, alleged victims or witnesses to the harassment are encouraged to file a report to a trusted administration member, who will then report it to the District’s Title IX Coordinator, who will then carry out the case investigation. All cases will also be treated with confidentiality in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Students were informed of these handbook updates during their orientation presentation from the deans, while staff were briefed on the protocol over the past summer.
“I think if someone is bullying someone so extremely where someone doesn’t feel safe coming to school, it’s good that [the school] can do something about it,” junior Sofie Cotter said.
Though the school has not had any significant altercations involving Title IX in the past few years, these handbook updates will further protect the school environment.
“I think our student body is a fantastic group of kids. I think sometimes mistakes are made, but I think if we all think about the last time we were sad or made to feel sad for something, it might have been an accident on the other person,” Welch said. “So I just ask that students be reflective and remember that we are all humans. We all have feelings, and we should all be just that much nicer.”
