Playing Prime Time or Stuck on a Broken-Down Bus? Are Your High School Athletics Programs Providing Equal Benefits under Title IX?

By Jackie Wernz, Adam Rothey, Matt Reed, and Kendra Yoch

Historically, K-12 athletics have taken a back seat to collegiate athletics when it comes Title IX enforcement, whether in the form of private litigation or investigations by the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”).  More recently, however, we are seeing an emerging focus on Title IX enforcement in high school athletics, and specifically allegations that female teams are receiving unequal benefits compared to their male counterparts. Is your district in compliance? An internal review can help ensure equal opportunities and benefits for your athletes and avoid costly disputes. Here’s what to look for.

He Said, She Said, They Said: Cracking Credibility in Student Sexual Misconduct Cases

When investigating reports of sexual misconduct by and against students, credibility can often be an essential question for the investigator, decision-maker, and others on the school, college, or university team. Understanding the factors to consider, knowing the types of questions to ask and techniques to use to get the information you need to consider, and avoiding the perception of bias, conflict of interest, and prejudgment are just a few of the land mines that education leaders face when a credibility issue looms in an investigation. Although the issue has taken front stage recently with respect to Title IX sexual harassment grievances, cracking credibility is just as essential in other sexual misconduct cases involving students, including those in schools that don’t receive federal funds.

This webinar from Thompson & Horton addresses some of the many credibility concerns that can arise during the sexual misconduct grievance process.