About Title IX and Frequently Asked Questions

Students at DC Public Schools (DCPS) should feel loved in an educational environment free of sexual harassment, sex-based discrimination or sexual misconduct. Any harassment or discrimination that occurs within a program or activity of DCPS, including all online instruction, is subject to DCPS policies. For more information please review the Frequently Asked Questions below.

What conduct is prohibited by Title IX?

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and gender in educational institutions that receive federal funding. This prohibited conduct includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking.

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that is determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the education program or activity.

What is relationship violence?

Relationship violence is violence between those who are or have been in a romantic or intimate relationship with each other.

What is stalking?

Stalking is conduct that is directed at a specific person(s) that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear or suffer substantial emotional distress. The conduct is often repetitive and includes, but is not limited to the following, pursuit, harassing and/or interfering with the pace and/or safety of another.

What is sexual assault?

Sexual Assault is any sexual act directed against another person who is incapable of giving consent (because of age or physical or mental incapacity).

I have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship violence, or stalking, what should I do?

If you believe you or someone you know has been sexually harassed at any point in time or in the cyber environment, we encourage you to file a report using our online reporting form. You are allowed to file anonymous reports, however doing so may impact our ability to respond to the allegation. You may also report by calling us at (202) 442-5405 or emailing [email protected].

What happens after I complete the form?

You will be contacted by a member of the CARE team to discuss your experience, arrange supportive services and initiate an investigation. Learn more about this process^[PDF].

What resources are available for students?

DCPS will offer individualized support to involved parties as necessary. DCPS has social workers available to support you with therapeutic needs.

DCPS has a partnership with the Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education to provide you with an advisor to help you navigate the Title IX process. For more information on working with advisor please call (202) 442-5405 or email [email protected].

You may also seek out confidential services for survivors with the DC Rape and Crisis Center. For confidential therapeutic services, visit dcrcc.org. DRCC can be contacted by telephone at (202) 232-0789 or by email at [email protected].

Additionally, you have the right to an advisor throughout the Title IX investigation process. An advisor can offer guidance and additional information on the Title IX process. Please contact the CARE team at (202) 442-5405 or [email protected] to be connected with an advisor.

For more information on trainings and policies related to Title IX, please review the following resources:

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