Learn more about ATIXA's role in policy matters that impact our field.

Sponsored by Representative Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), this bill would establish a Gender Equity Commission for college sports which would compare how the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) operates men’s and women’s championship tournaments with respect to the treatment of the participating men’s and women’s teams.

Sponsored by Representative David Trone (D-MD)/Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), this bill would require the US Department of Education to establish an Advisory Commission on Serving and Supporting Students with Mental Health Disabilities in Institutions of Higher Education. The commission must conduct a study and report on:

• Services available to students with mental health disabilities in college and the effectiveness of such services in supporting these students;
• The impact of policies and procedures, such as reasonable accommodation and disciplinary policies, that help or hinder the goal of providing equal opportunity to these students;
• The use of protected health information of these students by colleges;
• The impact of providing mental health services on a student’s academic performance, well-being, and ability to complete college;
• Conclusions on the major challenges facing these students; and
• Recommendations to improve the overall education, retention, and graduation of these students

Read more about H.R.3451 and S.1665

Sponsored by Representative Doris Matsui (D-CA) and U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), this bill would provide additional resources, training, and technical assistance through the U.S. Department of Education to combat gender-based harassment and discrimination in education.

specifically, the bill:

• Creates a new Office for Gender Equity within the U.S. Department of Education to coordinate Title IX activities in the Department and throughout other federal agencies,
• Funds competitive grants for K-12 schools, colleges and universities, states, school districts, and other educational organizations to boost Title IX compliance programs, and
• Provides Title IX coordinators and their allies with annual training, information, and best practices about Title IX compliance

Support clear and fair application of Title IX

To this end, ATIXA supports:

• Protecting all students and employees, of any gender, from discrimination on the basis of sex
• Designating a school-based Title IX administrator to oversee Title IX compliance
• Institutions providing training and resources to support Title IX coordinators’ advancement of gender equity in education
• Ensuring equitable access in academic and other areas, including STEM courses, school-related extracurricular activities, scholarships, and research opportunities
• Protecting the rights of pregnant and parenting students to stay in school and have equitable educational opportunities
• Ensuring students have equal opportunities to participate in athletics and related activities 
• Ensuring students and employees have adequate protection against sex-based harassment and assault, including requiring schools take immediate and appropriate action in cases of sexual violence and harassment that creates a hostile environment
• Determining when single-sex education and programs/activities  are permissible and when it is discriminatory and based on gender stereotypes
• Ensuring transgender students have the right to equal access to educational opportunities, including access to activities and facilities consistent with their gender identity

Support laws, policies, and activities that promote nondiscrimination based on protected classes such as race, sex, disability, and gender identity in education

To this end, ATIXA supports intersectional approaches to the resolution of complaints of discrimination by schools and prohibiting discrimination:

• On the basis of race, color, or national origin in any educational program or activity
• Based on sex in educational programs and activities
• Against transgender and gender-diverse students
• Based on disability in education

Support equitable, healthy, and safe school environments

To this end, ATIXA supports:

• Providing targeted mental health services, particularly those that support students who have been impacted by discrimination or abuse
• Advancing policies that promote positive school climates that are inclusive and free from discrimination
• Requiring educational institutions to establish a comprehensive approach to student mental health, which can include behavioral intervention teams to support student well-being and safety
• Increasing resources for professional development and training for school staff who provide student support services and enforce civil rights compliance
• Offering comprehensive, age-appropriate prevention education and training for students and employees

Search for the contact information for your Senators to write in your support now.

Search for the contact information for your Representatives write in your support now.