Plain-English summary
Court will decide limits on private lawsuits under Title IX’s ban on sex discrimination
The Court will decide whether Title IX’s private right of action protects plaintiffs who allege an institution’s policies cause discrimination but who do not claim they were themselves identifiable, particular victims under Cannon v. University of Chicago. The case was granted for the current term and challenges how broadly individuals can sue under Title IX.
Why this matters
The outcome will shape who can bring private lawsuits under Title IX. A narrow ruling could limit the ability of individuals to challenge institutional rules or practices that they say harm people of a particular sex unless the plaintiffs can show they were specific, identifiable victims. A broad ruling could preserve or expand private enforcement of Title IX against systemic or programmatic discrimination, affecting universities, K–12 schools, students, and employees at federally funded institutions.
Who may feel it
- Students (K–12 and higher education) alleging sex discrimination
- Employees and applicants at federally funded educational institutions
- Colleges, universities, and school systems that receive federal funds
- Civil-rights and advocacy organizations that bring Title IX suits
- State and local governments overseeing public education programs