Title IX is part of an education bill that outlaws discrimination or exclusion based on sex in public schools. Violating this results in a loss of federal financing or fines.

During the 90's and 00's, the courts ruled that sexual harassment constitutes an exclusion based on sex, and a failure to address it is a Title IX violation. In 2011, a government agency tasked to enforce civil rights laws published a "Dear Colleagues" letter clarifying what steps are necessary to ensure compliance in sexual harassment cases.