Minnesota Office of Higher Education

Title IX NPRM


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2022 Title IX Proposed Changes Overview

This document is an overview of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) released June 23, 2022 about changes to Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. The Office of Higher Education does not interpret the changes or make inferences of the effects of the proposed changes.

Major Changes to Title IX

  • Broadens the scope of sex discrimination to include pregnancy and parenting discrimination, characteristics of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, and sex-based harassment (used to be known as sexual harassment).
  • Aligns Title IX with other Civil Rights laws such as Title VII, VI, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
  • Requires institutions to "promptly and effectively" respond to sex discrimination. It includes details of how employees must respond when told about sex-based harassment or sex discrimination; and training requirements for all students and employees.
  • Includes a response by institutions to sex-based harassment and discrimination that occurs off campus or outside of the United States if a hostile environment is created within the education program or activity.
  • Gives institution choices on how to respond to sex discrimination, including grievance procedures and informal resolution.
  • Explains what needs to be included in the informal resolution and grievance procedures.
  • Clarifies protections and processes for students with disabilities and pregnant and parenting students.
  • Protects students who identify as transgender or nonbinary to access same-sex facilities that of their gender identity.
  • Strengthens protections with regard to retaliation.
  • Treats complainant and respondent equitably throughout the process.

Title IX NPRM Does Not Address

  • Religious Exemption
  • Gender Identity and Participation in Intercollegiate Athletics
For more information, click on the Comparison Chart of the Title IX proposed changes versus Current Rule

Resources


U.S. Department of Education Fact Sheet

U.S. Department of Education Chart

  • Be sure to review how to write an effective public comment before submitting your comment so that your comment has the full impact you want!
  • Go to the Federal Register website (https://www.federalregister.gov/) OR to Regulations.gov
  • Use the search feature and type the Register Identification Number 2022-13734 or bookmark the link Federal Register :: Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance.
  • The page should look like the image below:
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  • Click on "Submit a Formal Comment"
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  • Complete all of the information requested in the fields. It includes your comment, what your comment is about (you pick from a drop-down field, and this is more like what role do you identify as, such as a student, parent, employee, etc.), who you are—an individual, organization or anonymous. If you enter individual or organization, it will then ask for your email, contact information and phone number. If you click anonymous, no additional information is required. Remember, your comments are public!
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  • Click the box to show that you understand that your comment is public. If you include any personal information in your comment, it will be published. If you have any concerns, please contact Melissa Watschke, Title IX Administrator (melissa.watschke@state.mn.us) at the Office of Higher Education to help you problem-solve your concerns.
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  • Once you click the acknowledgement button, you can click submit comment! Congratulations! You submitted your comment and participated in our democracy!


Related links

Rulemaking Process

Informal Rulemaking Graphic by Regulations.gov