What is Title IX?

Title IX is a federal law that says schools and other educational programs that get money from the government cannot treat people unfairly because of their sex. This includes public schools, colleges, camps, and other programs. Many people are most familiar with Title IX when it comes to sports, but it covers all parts of school life.

Under Title IX, every school district or campus is required to have a Title IX Coordinator. This person is in charge of making sure the school follows the law and handles any complaints about unfair treatment based on sex. If a student (or their parent or guardian) feels their school isn’t protecting them from this kind of discrimination, they can complain to the Department of Education.

What Changed With Title IX?

Over time, courts have decided that sexual harassment and sexual offenses are considered forms of sex discrimination. That means schools have to take action when students report these problems.

In the past, the federal government expanded these protections against sexual harassment and sexual offenses under Title IX to apply to LGBTQ+ students. Those protections have recently been rolled back. However, New Jersey state law and the protections outlined in this article  remain in effect.

Why This Matters for LGBTQ+ Students

LGBTQ+ students are more likely to face sexual harassment and sexual offenses. A 2023 survey found that 20% of LGBTQ+ students said they had experienced sexual violence in the past year, compared to only 8% of other students. Another study in 2022 showed that LGBTQ+ students faced more bullying and unwanted sexual contact than others.

New Jersey State Protections

Even though the federal rules changed, LGBTQ+ students in New Jersey still have strong protections from harassment and violence at school.

1. The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights (ABR)

This state law protects students in public and charter schools from bullying, including bullying based on gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It covers things that happen on school grounds and off school grounds if they affect school life. The law defines bullying as any written, verbal, or physical act that:

• Hurts another student emotionally or physically;
• Damages their property or makes them afraid;
• Insults or demeans them or a group they belong to; or
• Makes fun of them in a way that causes serious harm or gets in the way of their learning.

Schools must have anti-bullying coordinators to address bullying reports. Contact information for the coordinator and anti-bullying policies must be on the school website. Students, parents, and staff can all report bullying following the school’s reporting policies.

2. The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD)

This law protects people from discrimination in public places, including schools and educational programs like summer camps. It covers discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

The LAD says that sexual harassment—such as unwanted touching, comments, or gestures—is a kind of discrimination. If a school knows this is happening and does not take action to stop it, it could be violating the LAD. LGBTQ+ students (or their parents or guardians) can file a complaint with the New Jersey Division of Civil Rights if their school does not take action.

Conclusion

Even though the federal government has weakened some protections under Title IX, LGBTQ+ students in New Jersey still have protections. If they face sexual harassment or offenses, there are state laws that can help protect them and make sure schools take action.

Additionally, depending on the type of offense they experienced, LGBTQ+ students may be able to obtain protective orders.

See New Jersey’s Anti-Bullying Law for more information.

This information last reviewed: Aug 27, 2025