Which of the following would be considered a form of sexual harassment under Title IX?

• A. A poor grade for incomplete work.
• B. Sexual comments or rumors.
• C. A fist fight between students.
• D. Spreading false rumors about school policy.

Answer: (B)

Unwelcome sexual behavior that targets someone because of their sex is a form of harassment under Title IX. Sexual comments or rumors fit this because they involve uninvited remarks about a person’s sexuality or sexual life and can create a hostile or uncomfortable learning environment. When such conduct is persistent or severe enough to interfere with a student’s education, it triggers obligations for schools to respond and address the situation.

The other options don’t fit as harassment under Title IX because they involve non-sexual issues: a poor grade reflects academic performance, a fist fight is a disciplinary or safety matter, and spreading false rumors about school policy concerns information rather than sexual behavior or targeting based on sex.