The Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) Title IX Office has launched an initiative to educate students about Title IX, a federal civil rights law that helps ensure all students can learn and participate in school free from sex-based discrimination. Specifically, Title IX protects students from sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, discrimination based on pregnancy or related conditions and other forms of sex-based misconduct.
You should have received a reminder and details from your school earlier this month with information about this initiative. The initiative includes a Title IX Student Bystander Training video and lesson.
The video and lesson is designed to help students identify what Title IX issues can look like in everyday situations. Through realistic and age-appropriate scenarios, students will learn about situations that include harassment, unwanted touching, dating violence, stalking, inappropriate digital behavior, the sharing of nude or sexually explicit images, and discriminatory conduct. It encourages students to speak up when something does not feel right, seek help from trusted adults, and support their peers in creating a safe, respectful and inclusive school environment.
We are committed to presenting this video and lesson in a thoughtful, age-appropriate and supportive manner. Still, we recognize that some content may be sensitive and you have the option to opt your student out of the lesson. As a reminder, should you choose to opt your student out of viewing the Title IX Student Bystander video and lesson, please reach out to your principal if you haven’t done so already.
Parents still have a chance to preview the material. Preview sessions were held in August, September and October of this year, and we have one more session scheduled Thursday, November 5 (virtually). Following the video presentation, members of the Title IX Office will be available to answer questions, provide additional context regarding the purpose of the lesson and explain how the material will be presented to students.
If you plan to attend the November 5, viewing session, please RSVP by completing the LCPS Title IX: Bystander Training Video Parent Viewing Opportunity form. A virtual meeting link will be emailed to you after your RSVP has been received.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact your school administration or the Title IX Office.
Note: This is for grades seventh and eighth, and all high school students.