Which statement best defines Title IX sexual harassment?

• A. Sexual misconduct that is so severe, persistent, and pervasive as to deny or limit a student's ability to participate in or benefit from the school's programs or activities.
• B. Any instance of teasing or name-calling between students.
• C. Only conduct by staff toward students.
• D. Inappropriate jokes that are not targeted by gender.

Answer: (A)

Title IX sexual harassment means unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that is so severe, persistent, and pervasive that it denies or limits a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the school’s programs or activities. This captures the idea that harassment must be both about sex and substantial enough to affect access to education. When these conditions are met, the school must respond to stop the behavior and prevent its recurrence.

This aligns with how schools evaluate whether harassment creates a hostile environment and triggers Title IX protections. If the behavior is not clearly sexual, not welcome, or not severe/persistent/pervasive enough to impact participation, it wouldn’t meet this definition.