November 01, 2023

Casten, Frankel Introduce Bill to Protect K-12 Students From Sexual Harassment and Assault

Washington, D.C (November 1, 2023) – Today, U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) and Democratic Women's Caucus Chair Lois Frankel (FL-22) introduced the Stop Sexual Harassment in K-12 Act to combat sexual harassment, assault, and sex-based discrimination occurring in K-12 schools by creating clear standards and related funding streams for schools to uphold their students' Title IX rights.

There is a gap in resources to address sexual abuse, violence, and discrimination facing K-12 students. One in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18 years old. A 2019 study found that 10% of K-12 students will be subjected to sexual abuse or misconduct by school employees, and that students who are low-income, female, and in high school are most likely to be the target of sexual misconduct by school employees. 

Students who experience sex-based harassment are also less likely to report what has happened to them. More than 85% of American K-12 schools reported zero allegations of sexual harassment, which is in stark contrast to the rates reported in victimization surveys. 

"At least one in four female and one in six male students face sexual abuse, but right now, our schools don't have the resources and guidance under Title IX to protect students from sexual harassment, assault, and other forms of discrimination that interfere with equal access to education,” said Rep. Casten. “The Stop Sexual Harassment in K-12 Act will provide schools with clear standards and resources necessary to keep our students safe. It's more important than ever that we equip our schools to meet the needs of all students and protect them from sexual harassment and abuse."

"School should be a safe place for students to learn and grow, free from the fear of sexual assault or harassment," said Rep. Frankel. "This bill will protect our children by ensuring students are aware of their rights and have access to the tools they need to pursue their education free from sexual misconduct in the classroom."

Kenyora Parham, Executive Director of End Rape on Campus, said, "Sexual harassment is an urgent public health crisis, with its pervasive reach extending far beyond college campuses. K-12 students are enduring sexual harassment at an alarming rate, often without the necessary resources and guidance to address it. End Rape On Campus (EROC) stands steadfast in our long-standing commitment to champion this critical legislation. The Stop Sexual Harassment in K-12 Act exemplifies a dedicated endeavor to secure funding, clarify the roles and responsibilities of Title IX Coordinators, and deliver developmentally appropriate training for students, educators, and the broader community. Moreover, the bill's inclusion of an inclusive national climate survey is pivotal, offering an invaluable perspective that ensures a comprehensive understanding of the issue. It recognizes and elevates the voices of students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and students with disabilities, who disproportionately bear the brunt of sexual harassment. With unwavering confidence, we affirm that this legislation will serve as a crucial safeguard, upholding the effectiveness and appropriateness of K-12 schools' responses to combat sexual harassment."

Dana Marlowe, Executive Director of I Support the Girls, said, “I Support the Girls believes strongly in gender equity, which includes eliminating all forms of harassment and assault on the basis of gender. This bill provides resources for K-12 schools to formalize and professionalize their gender equity services across the board, and ISTG supports the move towards equity. “This bill is essential to also create a national survey to gain a deeper understanding of the location and frequency that harassment and assault is happening and this is more pivotal now than ever before.”

Specifically, the Stop Sexual Harassment in K-12 Act:

  • Clearly defines the role and responsibilities of a Title IX coordinator in a K-12 school;

  • Sets guidelines on how many full-time educators serving as Title IX coordinators a school district needs, given the size of their student body;

  • Prevents people with conflicts of interest (e.g.: the principal) from serving as Title IX coordinators;

  • Encourages confidential reporting of sexual assault and sex-based discrimination, so students are not deterred from seeking help;

  • Provides training to students and teachers about what to do if they see or experience Title IX violations;

  • Creates a national climate survey so we can get better data about where and how often harassment and assault are occurring;

  • Provides funding to schools to help them implement these provisions

This bill has been cosponsored by Representatives Stephen Lynch, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Delia Ramirez, and Dina Titus.

The bill has been endorsed by the National Education Association, End Rape on Campus, Stop Sexual Assault in Schools, the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, Girls Inc., I Support the Girls, the National Council of Jewish Women, and Esperanza United.

Bill text can be found here.

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