Over the past several years, California has sought to study its implementation of Title IX with a goal of passing laws that go above the federal requirements. Two of these studies focused on the California State University system (CSU) while the other looked at all three of the state's college systems.

This remains an in-progress area of California law. Dozens of bills have been proposed on the subject, and it seems likely the state will continue to pass bills on this topic.

What these new laws mean in practice remains to be seen. They underline, however, the importance of hiring a legal team that stays current on the law.

The Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm assists students, faculty members, and staff members in California throughout the U.S. Each state and university has different laws and policies, and we provide individualized support for our clients.

Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out an online form.

Cal State Assessments

Beginning in 2022, the Cal State system began an assessment of how they've implemented Title IX programs. This report looked at both the system and individual colleges' Title IX and Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (DHR) programs.

Known as the Cozen O'Connor Report, this report combined interviews, campus visits, and online surveys. The final report offered recommendations for the entire CSU system and individual campuses. The report found that campuses need to be made safer, and CSU should be hiring more people to handle Title IX issues.

Only a few months after the Cozen O'Connor Report, the California State Auditor found that the system had failed to properly address sexual harassment and discrimination. The auditor released a report of sixteen actions the Cal State system needed to take to correct the errors.

On the face of things, these reforms sound good. Improved campus safety and adequate staffing are generally benefits to the school community. In some cases, however, schools may respond to accusations of being too lenient by becoming overly strict.

Students, staff members, and faculty may suddenly find themselves accused of Title IX violations and used as an example to “prove” that a school is tough on sexual harassment and discrimination issues. In these situations, schools may cut corners to “prove” guilt or use a member of the school community as an example.

UC, CSU, and CCC Assessments

In 2024, the California Assembly Committee on Higher Education released a wider survey that looked at how all three of California's higher education systems have handled Title IX cases. A Call to Action examined responses to sexual harassment and discrimination at the University of California, CSU, and California Community Colleges.

A Call to Action focused on schools adopting more measures to prevent sexual harassment and discrimination. It also recommended a statewide monitor to oversee each school's implementation of Title IX laws and regulations.

Similar to the CSU reports, in theory, A Call to Action sounds good. It's already resulted in passed bills. The question is whether preventative measures may end up unfairly targeting or punishing members of the school community, especially faculty and staff members.

Protect Your Reputation

Title IX allegations or other accusations of sexual harassment or discrimination can have negative and far-reaching implications. They can affect someone's education, career, and future.

These studies are only the first step to California's changing laws and regulations on campus-based sexual harassment and discrimination. A second blog post will examine the laws already passed that were based on these reports.

The Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm works with students, faculty members, and staff members throughout California and the U.S. If you're facing accusations of Title IX violations, call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out an online form.